3 initial thoughts, ideas, or feelings about facilitation in digital environments:
- Flexibility – Digital facilitation offers versatile learning opportunities through both synchronous and asynchronous activities (Boettcher, 2019). As a working professional, I appreciate the convenience of acquiring knowledge at any location and time, as well as the option to catch up on recorded or archived sessions I might have been unable to attend. The blend of real-time interactive engagements and opportunities for contemplation and reflection in digital facilitation greatly appeals to me.
- Customized and personalized learning – The new emphasis on learners in digital facilitation promotes cultivation of critical thinking, analysis, and creativity (Boettcher, 2019). When learning relates to work-related experiences and aligns with performance goals, it enhances motivation, collaboration, and contribution in the learning process.
- Unlimited learning prospects – Digital facilitation allows a multi-dimensional learning experience as opposed to a linear one, achieved through the integration of social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence (Boettcher, 2019). Learners engage with flexibility, creativity, and a sense of empowerment, moving away from passive reception of information from traditional learning. The convenient access to online resources motivates learners to delve into a wealth of information and potentially fosters an increase of lifelong learning.
2 questions about digital facilitation:
- During the pandemic, I encountered a colleague who displayed resistance to learning and exhibited poor conduct during an online session. Apart from adopting a cheerleading or social butterfly role (Bull, 2013), what additional approaches can a digital facilitator utilize to proficiently address disruptive or challenging behaviour and participant disengagement in virtual sessions?
- This is a more specific question for my work context. How does digital facilitation affect the effectiveness and efficiency of an onboarding process in the organization?
1 metaphor or simile about digital facilitation:
Digital facilitation for users can be interpreted differently from its initial intent. Respecting diverse abilities and learning styles becomes imperative in supporting student achievement and success (Dunlap & Lowenthal, 2018).
References:
Boettcher, J. V. (2019). Ten best practices for teaching online. Designing for Learning. http://designingforlearning.info/writing/ten-best-practices-for-teaching-online/
Bull, B. (2013, June 3). Eight roles of an effective online teacher. Faculty Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/eight-roles-of-an-effective-online-teacher/
Dunlap, J. C., & Lowenthal, P. R. (2018). Online educators’ recommendations for teaching online: Crowdsourcing in action. Open Praxis, 10(1), 79. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.10.1.721