LOL Cynthia!
I actually thought the same thing when I read as an instructor we may have to wear 4 different pairs of shoes!! I agree, many times it is much more than 4! For example, we also have to be social workers, listening to family crises and try to direct these students to resources that may help depending on the situation. Great post!
Right on, Wendy!
As a previous online student, I understand how important communication is when we need it. As such, I like to give my students my email and phone number that they can call or text questions to me. However, I also let them know I am on EST and as such will not reply if before 9 AM EST or after 8 or 9 PM EST. We have to have some boundaries as well. ;)
I want to create a general discussion area like you, Kelly. Please help me. And I am going to do the calendar. I love your help so much.
Maureen
Coleen,
You make so many points. We do have to address students in a more individual context that we do in f2f. You try to anticipate as many student needs as you can and incorporate into your course but really we do need to connect with each student and that is our challenge and our opportunity.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Coleen,
I have added social worker to my list also. It really shows how students can connect to you. Online may be the only way they can connect with someone.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Coleen,
You make an important! We have to have boundaries and there is
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Maureen,
Great I use the tools in my LMS to help me. I also link it in different place within my course. The important thing to remember is to make sure you drive your students there. When a student emails you a question check to make sure they posted in the question discussion area first. I also send announcements to students to remind them someone has posted a question and the first one to answer it correctly gets points. I also post in announcements that "student name" did a great job answering a question regarding the course. It will work you have to hold them to the expectation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The online environment environment can be confusing and intimidating for students. As facilitators, we must take on different roles guide students through the course. Communication and clear expectations are key in creating an enriching and rewarding experience; not just for the students, but for us as well.
Sometimes, I feel I should add the role of "crisis manager." Students seeking an online education are pursuing this non-traditional route for a variety of reasons. Often, real life can wreak havoc with their educational goals. As a facilitator, it is important to foster good communication, be supportive, and listen. Students are more likely to reach out for assistance when they know they will receive support.
Cynthia,
You make an excellent point. It's quite often more than four different pairs of shoes. Sometimes, we need to add the role of "crisis manager" or "counselor."
This is a great topic that I could honestly spend hours going into depth regarding, however I will try to summarize the best possible. Currently, I am teaching 12 of the online course courses between 2 programs and am additionally I'm the only Online Student Academic Advisor for the entire online population. It is a quite extensive workload and at times very overwhelming, however, I do have support if needed. The more shoes that an Online Facilitator can either wear or at least recognize as a shoe to be worn, the better student success, retention, etc. To name '4 shoes' that I play on a daily basis may be quite easy, but crucial for me to provide to my nontraditional student body. Here are my top 4:
1. Counselor/Crisis Intervention
2. Technical Assistance - software issues, training, etc.
3. Course Administrator - content, delivery, etc.
4. Listener/Advisor
Dear Dr. Kelly,
I had a back operation a while ago, so just catching up on additions I wish to implement after doing your forum. Very interesting.
First, how can I do:
- general discussion
- add items to the course.
I am going to work today on calendar to see if I can get that going. And more videos are on my list.
If you can help me, I would great appreciate it...many thanks.
Maureen Barraford
Wearing the four pairs of shoes is important because the facilitator is the primary party responsible for guiding the students through the course. During the course of term, the facilitator will inevitably be required to wear each pair of shoes to some degree. Of course, we serve as instructors in that we are proficient in our area of study, and we must literally teach concepts to our students, particularly if the student has a challenge digesting material for one reason or another. As social director, we must set up our virtual classroom to encourage and facilitate communication on every level to ensure that the learning or teaching process is not hindered. Otherwise, our work is for naught. One of our largest and definite role is to serve as program manager (or administrator) because we are responsible to organize the course, and ensure that the students can maneuver through the material with a liberal amount of ease. Finally, as technical assistant, we must be aware of the basic functions of LMS or any technological tool that we use in the course, again, so as to not hinder the learning or teaching process. By wearing of these pair of shoes, we ensure that the students can learn the material and receive the most out of the class because of our efforts as the facilitator.
Lindsey,
Wow, you are one busy person. You took have added social worker/counselor. That is going on my list. I hope you monitor your workload.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laura,
You have added another pair of shoes to my list; crisis manager. As a facilitator we assume the different roles to individualize our commitment to each student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laura,
Those two I am adding to my list!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Maureen,
I am not sure what specifically you need. Please tell me
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Aundrea,
Great post. Because you are the point person for the institution, the student connects with you. You don't have to know everything, just know where to find it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The online learning environment can utilize so many tools and forums to communicate with students, and therefore, the online facilitator will often wear four "pairs of shoes," or "hats" to effectively manage the courseroom. The essential role of the facilitator is to guide, which requires activity from many different angles.
Natasha,
I agree with you. As guides, we have to make sure we do give students a variety of ways to discover learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Who else will wear the "shoes" if not the facilitator/instructor. That in itself makes these roles essential and coaxial. Also, centrality of these four elements lends stability because students know who to "turn to" for guidance.
