I started the FIT’s project on October 23, and I have really enjoyed this activity. The group of dynamic people I have the pleasure to facilitate are well organized and creative with the streaming video. The students responded to me quickly and were very helpful with sending me links to online resources. Overall, I find this activity wonderful. I have learned much about online teaching from the readings.
Using the 5-stage model, I entered the group as an equal; that is, I never mention that I was the facilitator; they students could see that I was just by going to the discussion board to see what my title was. I feel that it is very important that when teaching online courses that you do not come off as being this “larger that life person.” I feel that making people feel comfortable while online is more important than getting into the activities.
The text mention that social presence is vital when teaching online. Once people feel comfortable enough with you, they will begin responding. However, if you go into the discussion giving students directives and making them to extra work that is not required, may cause some problems. When I wanted the group to do something, I asked them to help me by developing a list of URL for me to utilize, they did it. The group answered my entire question, other individuals jumped into the conversation with wonderful questions and insight.
I would recommend that in the future, in the FIT’s group, student facilitators have a say about the students grand on a particular activity. This will encourage group members to perhaps respond and take the FIT facilitator seriously. In addition, FIT’s facilitators need to understand that they should not begin a discussing by asking students to do extra work, but help the students focus their work by suggesting resources, and encouraging them.
Ounce you develop social presence online a relationship with the students grows otherwise you will find yourself on the outside of the discussion.
