Tena Crews

Terry,

We do have to identify our audience members so that we can communicate more effectively. This is true in any environment, but especially true in the online learning environment. Thanks!

Lynn Schneider

Terry, your list is, in my view, the basis for a great discussion board where you can learn more about the online students - by way of an assignment that allows the student to introduce themselves to the class. This will also be the first interaction these students will have with each other and may set the tone for how open the students are. As educators, our own introduction will set the tone for the interaction.

Tena Crews

Lynn and Terry,

Thanks for continuing the conversation. I like the introduction on a discussion board assignment or within some LMSs they can even create their own home page, add information and a picture if they so desire. That's helpful too.

Joi Sherrod

I agree! I think as a facilitator we sometimes wear many hats from a teacher, motivator, and sometimes a psychologist! Basically, we have to be able to read in between the lines and completely view the type of person or generation we are working with to provide information. Everyone has a different learning style, therefore, it may be beneficial to create different avenues that everyone can benefit from. For example, if certain students like visual aids then there can be more visual prompts. For those in the older generation, they may benefit from audio lectures. There are all types of ways we can reach out to these students but as facilitators I think it is important that we interpret what form of communication they are comfortable with.

Tena Crews

Joi ,

Oh - you are so right. We wear so many hats that we many times forget which hat we have one. We have to really think carefully about good facilitation. Thanks!