Guide on the Side | Origin: EL104
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Teaching and Organizing a Virtual Learning Environment --> Guide on the Side
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I like the contrasts covered between the Sage on the Stage vs. the Guide on the Side.
It is very important to evaluate and motivate students and to keep them active.
review of types of teaching.
our students deserves our guidance across the course, even if they are doing something asynchrony
For the best learning outcomes we need to have students engagement in the class by having some lecture with students discussions, short questions for understanding of topics, group works with presentations.
A guide facilitates learning by individuating and making relevant the subject matter for all learners. Online offers additional opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous learning and a variety of electronic tools.
Keeping students engaged during an online lecture proves to be very difficult but keeping them engaged consistently helps the class flow better.
My style is more "sage on the stage," because we have extremely limited technology available in the prison school where I teach. My Master's program was all online and asynchronous, so I certainly have experienced that and enjoyed it. I know that communication was very important and would say that most of my instructors were prompt with their responses. This was especially important where there were strict deadlines.
Evaluations are very important to assist the factulty to make needed improvements for student success
It is very important to make sure all information delivered online is understandable and retainable by each student in attendance
the instructor facilitator should evaluated teaching methods to insure what is taught is being learned
As a facilitator of an online course, my role is to guide students to be responsible for their own learning experience.
teaching online requires timely, clear and effective communication with the learners.
Evaluations are an important tool.
Online classes must be kept up with regularly. Since students have more freedom, sometimes they lose track of the objective. As educators we must find ways to keep them on track.
I've learned that becoming an online facilitator means focusing on student-centered learning, designing problem-based activities, providing timely and meaningful feedback, and knowing that I will support the students in taking ownership of their learning and encourage them to find solutions for themselves. This will foster engagement and peer interaction.
Facilitating teaching and learning in an online environment must be done strategically and communicated regularly to the students. This includes ensuring regular discussions post prompts abide by the syllabus and learning objectives for the course. The instructor must also evaluate teaching and learning throughout the course by reviewing the discussion posts, assignments, exam scores, and feedback from the students. Then, if modifications to the process are necessary, the changes should be made and communicated to the students. For example, if what was intended for the lesson was not achieved and the objectives not met, the instructor must present the information again to ensure the objectives are met, the students learn and understand the material, and any improvements the instructor made are acted on.
As a facilitator, my role is to guide the process. I am tasked with communicating in clear and unambiguous language so that miscommunication does not occur, at least not often. Providing feedback in a timely manner, whether on assessments or on the discussion boards, provides students with confidence that their learning experience is not a lonely one. An engaging instructor is available to help. Going forward, I will continue to provide meaningful and timely feedback with a healthy balance of correction and celebration for what was done correctly.
As a facilitator, there are many important tasks. Communication, fostering a learner-centered environment, structuring problem-based learning, and providing meaningful, informative feedback are all essential. However, providing informative feedback is the more important aspect of the role.
