Tips for Effective Online Facilitation Presented by Harry Belch

Create a Friendly, Approachable Atmosphere  Send an to everyone before course starts establishing a warm environment  Don’t use technical terms (unless you are teaching an advanced technical course)  Be conversational when addressing your participants  Create a relaxed classroom feeling

Example 1: Portion of sent to participants Welcome everyone to Using Technology to Support the Writing Process! Whether this is your first foray into Online Professional Development or you’re an ol’ pro at it, I hope you find this course informative, enjoyable, and stimulating. Please feel free to jump right into the discussions, because you’ll find that is the crux of the course.

Example 2: Portion of sent to participants Another room in which you'll spend a lot of time is the "Discussion Board." To enter, just click the Discussion Board link. This is where you'll be able to conduct professional conversations with your colleagues. Think of it as your professional "coffee shop," or "pub" if you prefer!

Participate With the Class  Model for them, but be one of them  Show enthusiasm for points well made  Learn right along with them  Refer to specifics in the materials they need to read and in their posts  Be the facilitator, not the “know it all.” Allow others to be the “expert”  And of course, provide leading questions when appropriate

Example: Discussion Board Post and Reply From Participant I agree! I loved the things Mr. Nellen described, but couldn't implement all that right away. Nancy Patterson's projects seem more possible for me right now. Mr. Nellen's editorials caught my eye. Something like that would fit beautifully with the 8th grade SOLs. I could see an editorial project done in the way Nancy Patterson described...with hyperlinks telling a little more about various things in the students' editorials. From Facilitator (Me) Indeed, even Nellen admits that he spends more time now than he used to when he wasn't using technology. It's also important to keep in mind that Nellen has been working on this for 20 some years. But, realistically, what aspects of Nellen's approach could be used in your classroom this coming year?

Provide Personalized Feedback  Encourage participants who fall behind to catch up and offer your assistance  Be sympathetic to their concerns and offer solutions  Let participants know that you are willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed  Provide interim reports so they know their status in the course

Example 1: Interim Report Hello (Name), I hope you’re enjoying our Using Technology to Support the Writing Process course! At this point, each participant should have at least 2 posts per session and have completed the Participant Survey. Below is what I have for you so far: Participant Survey: Complete (Name), the quantity of your posts has only been exceeded by the quality of your posts! Your insights and comments are always very thought provoking and helpful. Keep up the wonderful work! Cheers, Session 123CurrentTotal Posts

Example 2: Interim Report Hello (Name), I hope you’re enjoying our Using Technology to Support the Writing Process course! At this point, each participant should have at least 2 posts per session and have completed the Participant Survey. Below is what I have for you so far: Participant Survey: Not Completed (Name), I know you’ve been having some problems with your computer, so let me know if I can help. Try to get caught up with your posts and take the Participant Survey this week, if possible. If you need some time I certainly understand, just let me know. Cheers, Session 123CurrentTotal Posts 10001

Maintain “Eye Contact” in the Online Environment  Always address participants by name  Refer to specifics in their comments (current and previous)  Mention details contained in assignments  Respond quickly to s even if you don’t have an answer yet  If exciting personal information is exchanged (favorite team, college attended, pending birth, marriage, retirement, etc.), acknowledge it when appropriate (“Congratulations on your pending birth!”, “Your [team] looked real good Saturday!”)

Create Opportunities for Success  Keep participants apprised of the objectives and outcomes  Provide participants with guidelines to meet objectives and outcomes  Give participants a “heads up” for upcoming assignments

Example: Announcement for Session 3 of 6... In this session, we will read an article about an online mentoring project where a group of teachers developed an electronic writers' workshop that enabled young authors from different schools to work with professional writers and each other. We will also explore a selection of online writing tutorials designed to support student writing and revising. As you delve into this session, start thinking about your final project. Your final project will be a lesson plan that incorporates something you learned during this course. You might consider Inspiration from Session 2 or one of the sites you will visit in this session. Cheers,

In Closing, here is an exchange I had with a participant who I think summarizes very well successful online professional development from both the facilitator and participant view point: Facilitator (Me) Hi (Name), Your posts are very "real world" and I appreciate that. You are able to capture what I imagine to be the thoughts of many teachers, whether they're competing with faulty computers or fire drills like you posted in Session 1, or dealing with keeping up with others such as your Blackboard post in Session 3 (not to mention bemoaning Redskins losses - we won last week!!!). Thanks for "keeping it real" as the students might say!

Participant’s Reply Thanks for such a positive note... you are the only instructor that has ed me your thoughts about my progress in the course. As you have noticed, I take the on-line course very seriously. Sometimes, I tend to ramble or repeat myself, but like to express my ideas and opinions. I feel that some people don't take the time to respond appropriately on the on-line courses-- but my opinion is 'you get what you put into it.' Thanks again,

In Summation, the Key to Successful Online Facilitation: “You Get What You Put Into It” So be sure to:  Create a friendly, approachable atmosphere  Participate with the class  Provide personalized feedback  Maintain “eye contact” in the online environment  Create Opportunities for Success If you, the facilitator, follow these tenets, your participants are sure to follow.