3 Thoughts
Digital facilitation is both an art and science in that the facilitator must have a grasp on the theoretical underpinnings of learning, instruction, and design as well as the ability to act on that knowledge to effectively facilitate learning experiences in digital environments.
Effective digital facilitators are aware of the importance of having a good understanding of the strengths and needs of the intended users (learners), as well as the ability to design inclusive and accessible experiences for all.
Digital facilitators understand that learning is, at its core, a human and social experience. The human engaging in learning must be the top priority in all design and facilitation decisions.
2 Questions
I wondered:
- Is digital facilitation in a constant state of evolution in response to technology’s changing features, educational applications, and impact on society and culture?
- How can digital facilitators design learning experiences that encourage the development of sincere and authentic relationships?
1 Metaphor
Earlier this summer I celebrated the final birthday of my thirties and a friend of mine gifted me a multi-function pen. Not only does it put word and image on paper, but it also acts as a ruler, level, stylus, and screwdriver, and is pleasing to look at. It is fabulous! This pen is an excellent metaphor for digital facilitation. Both are highly adaptable, flexible in form and function, and have the knowledge and expertise to assume multiple roles at once.
Great post Amber. Regarding your second thought – do you have a way or know of a way to being able to get that understanding of needs and strengths within the first week or two of meeting the learners? I check in with students weeks 3, 7 & 9 to find out how they are doing. I can’t help but feel that if I had a way of being able to quickly assess or get a sense of where the students are, in the first few weeks, it would help me tweak my delivery to better meet their needs. Also, in the context of this course, set myself and my students up for positive digital facilitation experiences. That pen is making it to my gift giving ideas list! Katia
Hi Katia,
Thanks for your comments, and apologies for my delayed response. The past couple of weeks have been insanely busy! In K-12 there is so much information available about students through various portals that provide teachers with a good understanding of student strengths and needs and allow for design considerations to be made accordingly. I don’t have experience in post-secondary or adult learning situations, but I imagine this is not the case with adult learners?
Thanks again for your comments, and you will love that pen!
Amber