Facilitating in synchronous elearning environments Brad Beach Manager - Innovation and International Programs GippsTAFE

GippsTAFE’s approach Distance Education Face to Face Education Facilitated e-learning Non facilitated e-learning

What makes it work?

What does a successful model look like? Monday Content Release discussion topic Release email activity Tuesday Facilitation of topics Wednesday Facilitation of topics Possible real time activity Thursday Facilitation of topics Friday Summary of topics

Discussion Boards vs. Virtual Classrooms Clear concepts which are debatable (discussion boards) Complex concepts which need clarification (virtual classroom)

Plan - Virtual Classroom Lesson planning is critical Know what your options are e.g., break out rooms, web tours, multi voice discussion, however start with a simple approach Make use of a co-moderator when you start Have test sessions prior to the actual class Be early to set up the room 90 mins sessions seem to be the best length

Plan - Virtual Classroom Don’t talk for more than 15mins Have students complete pre-activities or readings There is very little a student can learn from looking at your face Don’t ask each person to response to the same point – but make sure all have been invited to participate before the end of the session Recap the weeks learning and preview the next weeks learning

Why does space influence delivery and assessment? How does the physical space influence your teaching currently? How would you rethink your teaching if you could control the space they occur in?

Manager - Innovation and International Programs Thank You Brad Beach Manager - Innovation and International Programs GippsTAFE Email bradleyb@gippstafe.edu.au