Online Facilitation- Facilitation Models and Tools

Hi Prospective Facilitators!

Welcome to the third post in the series on Online Facilitation. 

Today I will be discussing Online Facilitation Models and some useful Facilitation Tools.

Image created by author using Canva

Introduction

The literature of online learning encourages the use of facilitation models and tools, this in order to be fully prepared and competently execute the various roles adopted when one becomes an online facilitator. The models and tools provide practical, useful, and valuable techniques on how to operate in the online learning space. This is beneficial to both the facilitator and the learners. In the article from the Australian Training Authority (2002), it is noted that facilitation models and tools form the basis of a framework for measuring the effectiveness of online facilitation. 

Facilitation Models & Tools

Some online facilitation models include:

• Hootstein's "Four pairs of shoes"

• Berg's model

• Gilly Salmon Model

• Community of Inquiry(CoI)

These models outline the principles and best practices to succeed in the online learning environment. From social, cognitive, teaching presence, to activities and strategies to execute. Below is a graphical representation of a facilitation framework crafted using the Berg's model, which speaks to Managerial. Intellectual, Social, and Technical roles of the online facilitator:

Image created by author

Benefits of employing a facilitation model or framework includes:

•          Provides guidance to facilitator in delivering content. 
•       Guides the selection of content, strategies, methods, for the       
         programme/ course being offered
•        Provides a pathway to accomplishing the goals and objectives
•        Support teaching, social, and cognitive presence for the participants and
         facilitator alike
•        Promotes engagement, participation, and other elements critical to 
         student and instructor success
•        Facilitates communication at all levels
•        Helps with coordinating, planning, designing, scheduling and
         implementation of programmes or courses
•        Gives a clear outline of the procedures, administration, and regulations
         that guides the teaching and learning process
•        The facilitation framework allow for succession; meaning should the
          initial instructional designer not able to implement the programme for
          whatever reason, then someone else can continue where that person
          left off

Online facilitation models and tools vary and each is guided by its own philosophy however, what is common is that they all provide a functional guide for the facilitator in his/her roles in the teaching and learning environment. Remember that facilitating learning is more about the student than it is about the teacher/lecturer/facilitator, since they are the ones who will be taught and who the acquisition of knowledge, skill, or attitude is being fostered within.

As purported by Sri (n.d.), a framework can be used by teachers and learning/instructional designers to design an online or blended learning programme/course. Facilitation models and tools are not only useful in designing programmes or courses for the online environment but also for face-to-face, so go ahead, research, read, explore those that exist and find the one that is right for you and your learners.

References

Australia National Training Authority. (2002). Effective online facilitation. Australian Flexible Learning Quick Guide Series. www.flexiblelearning.net.au 

Berge, Z.L. (1995). The role of the online instructor/facilitator. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238348806_The_Role_of_the_Online_InstructorFacilitator.

Liu,X., Lee, S.H., Bonk, C.J., Su, B., & Magjuka, R.J. (2005). Exploring four dimensions of online instructor roles:  a program level case study. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267682901_Exploring_four_dimensions_of_online_instructor_roles_A_program_level_case_study

Sri, E. (n.d.). Salmon 5 stage model for online learning. https://www.katalis.app/salmon-5-stage-model-for-online-learning/

Zorfass, J., Remz, A., Gold, J., Ethier, D., & Corley, P.(1998). Strategies to ensure that online facilitators are successful. https://www2.edc.org/NCIP/facilitation.pdf

Keep Learning!
Simone Sampson