3 initial thoughts, ideas or feelings you have about facilitation in digital environments.
The top 3 initial thoughts about facilitation in digitalized learning environment are as follows:
The first thing that concerns me of the facilitation in digital environments is to clarify the difference between traditional lectures and Internet-based learning. While the learners of lectures are reliant on teachers’ delivering knowledge to them, those registering for online courses are more self-reliant.
Based on this understanding, the next thing to realize is the role of teachers in digital learning environments. Rather than delivering knowledge, the new role of teachers is to become a guide showing students what and how to learn independently, which is mentioned by Bull (2003) in his discussion about roles of an effective online teacher, who act as a tour guide for students in their journey to new academic fields.
The last thing that stands out to me is how to achieve the target of digital facilitation. This is the topic I have learned from LRNT524 (Innovation, Design and Learning Environments), which compares different course design theories. It is the where I need to spend more time to experiment and evaluate over this course module.
2 questions you have about digital facilitation.
The first question about digital facilitation that concerns me most is how to create a humanized digitalized environment; this is the very problem that exhausts me so far. For example, it is difficult to start topics for discussion and guide students to participate.
Another question is how to create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere in virtual classroom, where teachers are not physically present.
1 metaphor or simile about digital facilitation.
If I need to make a metaphor about digital facilitation, I would say the approach is more like conducting an orchestra. The facilitator acts as the same role of a conductor and arranger, who are responsible for the organization of the roles of each member of the band, making sure every one has a role to play and the whole is on the right track. In particular, the facilitator should also ensure every student receives equal consideration – just like a conductor needs to ensure every instrument has its voice in the band.
References
Bull, B. (2013). Eight Roles of an Effective Online Teacher. Faculty Focus.