supporting instructors and tutors submit version 2

Supporting Instructors & Tutors During Online Delivery

SLOAN C ALN Conference29 October 2009

Willy Fahlman

willyf@athabascau.ca

Daph Crane

daphne@mun.ca

Presentation Goal

During this interactive session we will

discuss a variety of strategies and

techniques for supporting those who

teach or facilitate online learning.

Who do we mean when we refer to those who teach or facilitate online?

Why Do Online Facilitators Need Support?

Online Facilitator Competencies

• Content knowledge

• Instructional design

• Assessment/evaluation

• Presence

• Research

• Technology skills

Course Preparation

• Course objectives

• Course assessment strategies

• Content presentation

• Learning activities

• Learner engagement

• Course and a half syndrome

What To Do When.....

What To Do When.....

• students are required to participate in an asynchronous online forum focusing on an assigned topic

• 1 student centres her discussion on networking & other non-relevant topics

• other students are active in her 'side' discussions & not actively participating in the assigned topic

• you pose direct questions to stimulate discourse but the bulk of the discussion remains on these ‘side’ discussions. 

Interactions

• Student-teacher

• Student-student

• Student-content

• Content-content

• Teacher-content

• Teacher-teacher  Anderson, T. (2004). Toward a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson and F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and practice of

online learning (pp. 33 – 60). Athabasca: Athabasca University. (Available: http://cde.athabascau

.ca/online_book/ch2.html.)

Time Management

Is the time commitment for online learning similar to traditional classes? 

How can facilitators keep their workload under control?

Facilitator seldom in course

Facilitator in course 24/7

Isolation

Social Networking

Community of Practice using: • Blogs• Wikis• Skype• Chat/IM• Twitter• My Space / Facebook / ning• Synchronous conferencing (ie Elluminate)

Technology

Does an Online Facilitator need to be a technology wizard? 

• What skill level is needed? 

• What happens when something doesn't

work? 

Have something in your back pocket. 

Support

• Colleague support

• Administrative support

• Professional support

What Other Factors Impact

The Need For Online

Facilitator Support?

Questions?

 References/Resources

Anderson, T. (2004). Toward a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson and F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and practice of online learning (pp. 33 – 60). Athabasca: Athabasca University. (Available: http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/ch2.html.)

Conference Board of Canada (2000). Employability Skills 2000+. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from http://www.conferenceboard.ca/Libraries/EDUC_PUBLIC/esp2000.sflb    

Conrad, R., Donaldson, J. (2004). Engaging the Online Learner. San Fransico: Jossey-Bass.

 References/Resources

Dorm,M. D. (2009, May).  Cyber-instructor? Nursing Management, (40)5, 34-37. Faculty Focus. www.facultyfocus.com

Fouche, I.  (2006, September).  A multi-island situation without the ocean: Tutors’ perceptions about working in isolation from colleagues. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 7(2), 1-12.  Retrieved November 1, 2008 from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/viewArticle/295/640

  References/Resources

Green, T., Alejandro, J., & Brown, A. H.  (2009, June). The retention of experienced faculty in online distance education programs: Understanding factors that impact their involvement. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(3). Retrieved August 27, 2009 from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/683/1279

Hill, C. (2009, March 23). ReL Training and supporting onlin adjuncts. [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/training-and-supporting-online-adjuncts-qa-with-kimberly-hardy/

 References/Resources

Kanuka, H., Jugdev, K., Heller, R., & West, D. (2008). The rise of the teleworker: false promises and responsive solutions. Higher Education, 56, 149-165. http://auspace.athabascau.ca:8080/dspace/bitstream/2149/1634/1/2008%20Higher%20Education.pdfhttp://auspace.athabascau.ca:8080/dspace/bitstream/2149/1634/1/2008 Higher Education.pdf Kelly, R. (2009, June 29) Re: Millennial faculty are you ready? [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/academic-leadership/millennial-faculty-are-coming-are-you-ready/

  References/Resources

Kelly, R. (2009, August 25). Re: Promoting teaching excellence, what departments can do. [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/promoting-teaching-excellence-what-departments-can-do/

Ng, C. F.  (2006, September). Academics telecommuting in open and distance education universities:  Issues, challenges, and opportunities.  International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 7(2).  Retrieved September 20, 2009  from http http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/viewArticle/300/632

 References/Resources

Orr, R., Williams, M., & Pennington, K. (2009). Institutional efforts to support faculty in online teaching. Innovation in Higher Education, 34, 257-268 doi: 10.1007/s10755-009-9111-6

Schank, R. (2002). Designing World-Class E-Learning. McGraw Hill New York.  Services Canada . (2005).  Essential Skills. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml 

  References/Resources

Weimer. M. (2009, January 20). Re: False assumptions beginning teachers make [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/false-assumptions-beginning-teachers-make/