Transitioning to Facilitating Distance Learning Events

There are wonderful advantages, for both instructor and student, to the distance learning environment. As an instructor, you will not have to travel or contend with the physical and logistical challenges of teaching in a “brick and mortar” setting. Additionally, both instructor and student benefit from a focused, methodical approach to distant education. This includes the flexibility and convenience of Web 2.0 technologies that can be typically be accessed 24/7. (Simonson, et. al., 2009).

New responsibilities, and significant changes in teaching approach, are required when facilitating an online distance learning event. As an instructor, one must move from an Instructor-Centered Model to a Learner-Centered Model in which learning environments are cooperative, individualistic, collaborative and supportive. (Simonson, et. al., 2009).  This means shifting from delivery of a lecture oriented course, in which you cover specific materials, to being a coach that guides the learner through the process of self-directed exploration of learning environments.  The students play an active role in their learning and a big part of that is sharing thoughts and ideas through collaborative discussion boards.

Web 2.0 technologies – for example, wikis/discussion boards and blogs – play a critical role in the distance learning (DL) environment. While we cannot duplicate the desired elements of face-to-face (F2F) learning, through well designed DL courses and utilizing Web 2.0 tools we can create equivalent learning outcomes. (Simonson, unk).  We must create an interactive forum to facilitate social learning for our online learners. (Berg, Z. & Collins, M., 1996). One of the most powerful tools used to create collaborative, shared learning communities is the discussion board or discussion thread. (Lambert, et. al., 2009).

As an instructor of distant education programs, you must become proficient in the tools used in your program. Managing these tools should be seamless, elegant and you must be able to easily support your students. The technology and tools must not be a distraction nor a hindrance to your students learning experience. Take the time (or the classes) necessary to become skillful in navigating and managing the tools of your course!

In addition to learning the technologies and tools you will use to manage the class, you must also shift your teaching approach.  The distance learning environment requires equal responsibility – from instructor and student – in achieving learning outcomes.  How do you, as the instructor, support behaviors that will ensure your students success? How will you motivate, guide, and encourage your online students?

As an instructor, shifting from face-to-face synchronous training to facilitating an asynchronous distance learning event requires significant shifts in perspective. You must change the way you teach and you must change your expectations of your students! According to Oblinger (1999), some of the more significant shifts for you and your students include changing from:

• Lecturing to coaching
• Taking attendance to logging on
• Distribution requirements to connected learning
• Credit hours to performance standards
• Competing to collaborating
• Library collections to network connections
• Passive learning to active learning
• Textbooks to customized materials

It is critical that you define and communicate clear expectations to your online students. This should include:

• Engagement guidelines and “Netiquette”
• Course syllabus
• Rubric(s) for grading
• Clear communication of expectations for:
              • Behaviors
              • Participation
              • Assignments
              • Discussions

As an instructor in a distant learning environment, there are several ways that you can engage students and create connection to enhance their learning experience.

• Discussion Boards
• Blogs
• Instant Messaging/Online Chat
• Traditional tools such as email, phone calls, and conference calls.

Creating a learning community - in which deep, meaningful learning takes place - is the responsibility of both teacher and student. As an instructor it is your role to continue to find ways to engage and challenge your students, expanding their self-directed learning and lifting them to higher heights.

References


Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27(2),139–153.

Berg, Z., and Collins, M. (2006). Facilitating Interaction in Computer Mediated Online Courses. Retrieved from http://www.emoderators.com/moderators/flcc.html

Hill, J.R. & Raven, A. (2000). Online learning communities: If you build them, will they stay? Retrieved on 12/15/2010 from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/paper46/paper46.htm

Lambert, J., Kalyuga, S., & Capan, L. (2009). Student perceptions and cognitive load: What can they tell us about e-learning Web 2.0 course design?. E-Learning Vol. 6 (2). Retrieved 12/14/2010 from www.wwwords.co.uk/ELEA

Ng, K. (2010). Availability of technology does not ensure accessibility. Retrieved on 11/06/2010 from http://www.digitalopportunity.org/comments/availability-of-technology-does-not-ensure-accessibility 

Oblinger, D.G. (1999). Hype, hyperarchy, and higher education. Business Officer, 33(4), 22-24, 27-31.

Piskurich, G., & Chauser, J. Facilitating Online Learning. Video. Retrieved 12/14/2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4603379&Survey=1&47=6262944&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Simonson, M. (unknown). Equivalency theory and distance education. Tech trends, Vol. 43, Issue 5. Retrieved on 12/18/2010 from http://www.springerlink.com/content/q39k5017415q8621/fulltext.pdf


Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.


Wikipedia: Communities of practice. (2010). Retrieved from 12/15/2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communities_of_practice

Wikipedia: Online learning community. (2010). Retrieved on 12/15/2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_learning_community

Multimedia Program: Week 1 "Distance Learning Timeline Continuum" (2010). Retrieved on 12/19/2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4603379&Survey=1&47=6390536&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1