Three Characteristics of an Effective Online Facilitator?

Answer 1

When was the last time you took an online course? What did you notice about the instructor? There are three characteristics that should be present when taking a course under an effective online facilitator’s instructional leadership. These characteristics are the following:

Active Participation

The first characteristic of an effective online facilitator is that he or she actively participates in the virtual course. For example, learners can expect for the online facilitator to post regular announcements, post thought-provoking responses and respond back to learners frequently. Also, effective online facilitators send out additional resources, in addition to, the minimum requirements of posting facilitator notes to assist learners on their academic journey for that specific course.

Grade on Time

The second characteristic of an effective online facilitator is that he or she grades on time. This is because he or she is able to manage one’s time and may decide to grade a few learners’ assignments each day. In the event that he or she utilizes this strategy, then the online facilitator is able to grade on or before the established grading deadline. Most importantly, he or she will be providing the detailed, constructive feedback in which learners often seek from their online course facilitators.

Add Value

The last characteristic of an effective online facilitator is when he or she adds value to the existing course content. Most universities allow online facilitators to create their own professional notes to help the learners. However, there are some universities that create weekly guidance notes that have already been pre-created. In such cases, online facilitators are expected to add their value only on the discussion board forums and with detailed feedback in assignments. From an effective online facilitator’s point of view, this is a better opportunity to truly leverage both their personal and professional experiences. This is mainly because he or she is able to dedicate more time to respond in greater detail in discussion board responses and spend additional time providing detailed feedback to learners.

These are three characteristics that should be observed while taking an online course. At the end of the course survey, it is critical to provide feedback so that other learners can benefit and the effective online facilitator can get the credit in which he or she deserves as been an effective instructional leader.