3 Simple Rules of Facilitating Online Discussion
The role of the instructor in online discussion includes that of a facilitator. The following three basic rules are compiled and adapted from Connected University's Online Faculty Training course.
- In the first week, respond to every participant's introduction posting and make them feel welcome.
- After the initial response
to participants, try to respond at least once to e
ach
participant every week or so, depending on the size of the class. Note:
I've tried this, and it started to feel forced. So I went back to my original
rule: post when you have of value something to say! See #3. - Instructor posts should deepen the conversation.
- Validate especially strong points without praising the person.
- Ask questions. Challenge those on the right track to extend themselves even further.
- Redirect those participants who aren't quite hitting the nail on the head to more closely approximate what you're looking for in their undertanding of the concepts involved.
-Janine Lim
©2000-2003
Adventist Virtual Learning Network.
Developed by Marilyn Eggers, Shirley Freed, and Janine Lim in 2000.
Major revision by Freed and Lim 2003.
Developed by Marilyn Eggers, Shirley Freed, and Janine Lim in 2000.
Major revision by Freed and Lim 2003.