Teaching online: Do's and Don'ts

2nd Facilitator's hat

• 

  
  

• Create an online presence

• When studying online many participants feel isolated, alone and that technology does not care for their needs. Hence, it is critical that they perceive a real person is driving the course. Right from the start, participants need to know you are there despite the 'shroud' of technology. Here are some strategies to ensure you are noticed!

• Ghirardini, B. (2011). Facilitator's online presence Page

  View
• Huckett, P. (2013). Establish an online presence - Video URL

  View
• 
  Use Moodle communication tools

• Moodle also provides a number of communication tools you can use to engage with both the online 'class' and as required individuals. Consider the video below that demonstrates the use of these tools. In the previous unit we investigated virtual classrooms. Many of these platforms provide tools to allow you to communicate. Below are some examples of how you might do this using the Moodle platform.

• COL. (2020). Using Moodle's messaging facilities Page

  View
• Moodle. (2020). Messaging URL

  View
• 
  Use social media

• A good tactic is to set up a social media course group. Groups can run parallel to the Moodle platform. They are more immediate than Moodle as most people consult their social media services regularly whereas Moodle is used only when it is time to study. Consider these options:

• Potter, J. (2019). How to create a Facebook group Page

  View
• WhatsApp. (2020). How to create a WhatsApp group URL

  View
• 
  What to communicate

• When you are in regular contact, consider the communication style suggested in the reading below.

• ETLO. (2012). Ten tips for effective online facilitation File 83.6KB

  View
• 
  Conflict resolution

• The internet can be quite toxic at times. Many people engage with others online irresponsibly because they feel their remoteness protects them. As a facilitator you need to be ready to resolve conflict when it arises in your learning community. Spend some time reading the article below and watching the video on non-violent communication.

• Rosenburg, N. (1995). Non-violent communication Page

  View
• Consider this scenario: 

  After a meeting lasting most of the morning, you return to the discussion forum. In the rough and tumble of a lively debate, one participant has posted a message that offends many of your deeply held religious beliefs. You also think that the message is likely to cause deep offence to many other participants. 
  

  Using NVC methodology as described in the article above write a post in the forum below addressed to the offending participant. 

• Conflict resolution discussion Forum

  View Make forum posts: 1