3-2-1 Into Digital Facilitation 

3 Initial Thoughts 

1. Much like in-person teaching, online teaching places a significant emphasis on community. As Dunlap and Lowenthal (2018) and Boettcher (n.d.) discussed, establishing a community in an online class is crucial. It helps students form connections and allows them to be social in ways that mirror a face-to-face classroom. Whether students are learning in person or online, the social aspect of learning remains a vital component. 

1. Providing students with choices is a fundamental aspect of education. The concept of UDL in online learning, as highlighted by Dunlap & Lowenthal (2018), is a powerful tool. It empowers students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that suit their learning style and meet the course requirements. This adaptability makes students feel comfortable and allows them to connect their experiences with their learning (Boettcher, n.d.). 

1. While there are similarities to in-person and online teaching, there are differences in how to facilitate online classes as they may require a different set of skills. Bull (2013) discussed eight roles of an online facilitator. While some can be found in an in-person facilitator, such as a cheerleader and co-learner, some are more for online courses like Big Brother, where everything is documented, and teachers can see when students are online and guide them to the appropriate resources or course content. 

In my initial thoughts, I discussed the similarities between in-person and online teaching. I still have some questions I would like to explore as I go through this course, especially regarding how to use these skills in a K12 setting. 

2 questions

1. K-12 education is primarily done in face-to-face classrooms; which skills and roles discussed in facilitating digital environments can be transferred to in-person teaching? 

1. In connection with the first question. If there are skills from teaching online courses that can be transferred to K12 in-person settings, how can we use these skills when we are not facilitating online? 

1 Metaphor 

Through reading about digital facilitation, a metaphor that goes well with my thoughts and questions is an image of a road map. Teaching and learning is a journey, and as Bull (2013) pointed out, we are here to guide our students throughout. While the path may not be straight, and mistakes may be made, the journey and learning along the way are what matters. 

References

Boettcher, J. V. (n.d.). Ten best practices for teaching online. Design for Learning. http://designingforlearning.info/writing/ten-best-practices-for-teaching-online/

Bull, B. (2013). 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), 79-89. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.10.1.721