online facilitator program

Jen SmithCUR 532

February 29, 2016Danene Mims

Congratulations and welcome to the Learning Network Team! We will partake in an online 3 day Learning Specialist Training Course.

Welcome to the Learning Specialist Training Course. My name is Jen Smith and I willbe your online instructor . My goal is to ensure you have the skills to be an effectiveLearning Specialist. I am available Monday-Friday from 8AM - 5PM MST andSaturday-Sunday from 1PM – 6PM MST. Please feel free to reach out to me atJenSmith@thelearningnetwork.com or by phone (623) 123-4567. I’m looking forwardto working with you during this course.

Training Audience

Program Goals

Program Objectives

The participants in this course poses some if not all of the following skills and/or attributes:Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Have basic knowledge of onlinetechnology

Are new to the Learning Network

Have experience leading people

Have less than 2 years

of facilitation experience

After the completion of this course the Learning Specialist will:

Foster collaboration among all classroom participants by usingtechnology mediums

Consistently incorporate small group collaboration activities

Maintain a strong online presence by

providing student feedback within 24 hours

Proficient in the technology and tools utilized in the online classroom

Fostering an online learning community

by incorporating the theoretical foundations

of distance learning

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Discussion Forums

Teach Back Presentations

True or False

The classroom assignments will aid in further developing the Learning Specialist’s knowledge of course learning objectives.

The Learning Specialist’s new skills will be evaluated though discussion forums, teach backs, assignments and multiple choice questions.

Formative assessments will be provided to the learner after a module has been completed.

Training Materials

Phases of Development

Theories of Distance Learning

Theories for Engaging Distance Learners

A successful Learning Specialist possess thefollowing skill sets:

Strong visibility and presence: Responding to discussion threads, emails

Effective communication: Providing clear expectations and follow through

Passion for learning: Allowing the learners to maintain the lead in the learning process and offer guidance when needed

A successful Learning Specialist possess thefollowing skill sets:

Patience: The learners will need time to explore through learning before immediate guidance is given

Facilitation/Virtual classroom experience: Classroom discussions should be reviewed and the learners should be asked probing questions to link the given content. The learners need to be given both positive and constructive feedback throughout the course.

ApprenticeNovice

Visitor MasterInsider

Apprentice

Novice

Visitor

Master

Insider

•Are interested in the online learning environment•May have experiencing posting online

•Has not taken or facilitated an online course•Has made their course syllabus available online•Has incorporated communication technology to balance theirface-to-face instruction

•Has taught online for one or two terms•Developing an understanding of the onlinelearning environment

•Successfully conducted several online courses•Poses strong technological skills•Mentors new online facilitators•Fosters collaborative learning through active communication

•Poses basic technological skills•Taught more than two semesters online•Designed more than one online course•Reassures students they are paying attention to discussions

The goal of creating a learning community is to increase the knowledge and skills of a group of people. A learning community fosters continued learning and sharing new information among all participants (Medrano, 2005).

Diversity of expertise among all members

Shared objective while increasing knowledge

and skills

Continuing to educate yourself on how to

learn

Sharing information on what has been

learned

Evaluating Community Learning

Goals

Culture of learning

Learning Activities

Sharing knowledge &

skills

Visible learning process

Instructor Roles & Power

Relationships

Instructor as a facilitator

Learner self-assessment

Products

Learning goals over

performance

Knowledge

Rich subject matter

Combining knowledge

Discourse

Common language

Discourse between learners

Resources

Learners are resources

Centrality

& Identity

Identity transformation

Collaboration variables

(Medrano, 2005)

Mentorship

Management and Evaluation Programs For Facilitators

Learning Platforms

Learning Enhancement Tools

The Learning Network hosts a New Hire Mentorship Program. This program was designed to enhance a Learning Specialist’s facilitation skills and gaining visibility by:

Fostering peer to peer collaboration

Implementing new skills and techniques

Showcasing new skill sets througheffective instructional methods

Establishes and meets

professional goals

Poses more than 5 years experience

facilitating in an online classroom

Has previous experience of

mentoring more than 10

new hire employees

Values the opinions and initiatives of their peers

Has facilitated 10 or more

online courses

New hire Learning Specialists will be paired with a seasoned online facilitator mentor during their first online course

The new hire and seasoned mentor will begin communication efforts after Day 3 of the training course

All new Learning Specialists will be given access to an online workshop to gain familiarity with the online learning forums

Monthly mentor/mentee meetings will occur either in person or virtually to discuss strengths and growth opportunities

The mentor will provide mentee strengths and growth opportunities to the Learning Network Manager on a monthly basis

Authentic evaluations will occur within 6 months

after training completion

Mastery will be evaluated

through classroom

discussions, facilitation and design

Students provide direct feedback to the Learning

Specialist

Training Manager will

conduct classroom

observations and provide feedback to the Learning

Specialist

Learning Management Systems (LMS) is an online tool that oversees the self-paced virtual class. The LMS tool motivates learning through:

• Discussion Forums

• Instant Messaging Chats

• Course Assignments

• Course Assessments

The tool provides online performance reporting based upon the course, student and facilitator.

• Offers screen casting software

• Recording capabilities through PowerPoint, the web, or webcam

• Video editing capabilities

Camtasia

• Recording capabilities of onscreen video and audio

• Videos can be uploaded to Facebook or Twitter

Jing

• Offers video conferencing/screen sharing

• Hosts live instruction sessions with learners

• Sessions can be recorded and incorporate the use of webcams

GoToMeeting

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Classroom Management Technology Tools

Distance Learner Description

Synchronous v. Asynchronous Facilitation

Classroom Management Issues

Learning Evaluation

•Provides real-time video conferencingamong all participants to eliminate timeand distance differences

•Provides real-time video conferencing toeliminate time and distance differences•Facilitator and student conferencing

•Used to share texts, sounds,graphics, etc.•Students can leave commentaryand receive graded feedback

•Used to brainstorm and share ideasfrom any electronic device•Provides resources for project planning,hosting discussion forums, etc.

(Rowan, 2013)

Cultural

• The online classroom will be filled with diverse learners and it will be important to guide your learners to embrace these differences .

• The virtual classroom can create a barrier in establishing face-to-face communication. Your role as the facilitator will be to guide your learners through alternative communication avenues to ensure all learners are on the same page. You role will be to observe the participants throughout their various interactions.

Experiential

• The experiential learner does not have any experience with taking a course online.

• The Learning Network will provide virtual Introductory Courses that the leaner can gain familiarity in order to determine if the virtual classroom is right for them.

Prior Learning Experiences:

Non –Traditional

Learner

• The tenure of the distance learner will vary. Some of the learners will have had previous online courses and others may not have had any experience in an online classroom setting.

• It will be essential that the Learning Specialist conducts weekly touch points with these learners and offering your support throughout the course. Getting to know your learner will aid in the continued success of your online program (Palloff and Pratt, 2012).

Synchronous Asynchronous

Challenges Resolutions

System outages •Using alternative forms of communication suchas e-mail, text messaging, phone calls etc. untilthe classroom forum has been restored

Outdated Computer Software •The Learning Network will provide options forthe learners to download the required coursesoftware•The learner will not be assessed any fees todownload the software programs

Technology issues •The Learning Specialists will be provided withthe 24 hour technology help desk phonenumber to resolve ticketed issues

Learner Feedback

MessagesThe Learning Network provides Instant Messaging and Private

Messaging for delivering feedback

Comments

Microsoft Word will provide the Learning Specialists the ability 9-to

leave commentary on all classroom assignments

Audio

The classroom has incorporatedan audio messaging capability. Thelearner will need to download therequired software

One of the Learning Specialist’s main role will be to provide their learners with both positive and constructive feedback . Below are three examples you may use to provide feedback to your learners.

Challenge Course of Action

Cyber-Bullying The Learning Network has a zero tolerance for bullyingof any kind. Learning Specialists will providecommunication expectations on Day 1 of their course.The Learning Specialist is required to notify theLearning Network Manager of any cyber-bulling.

Inappropriate Posts Learning Specialist will provide communicationexpectations on Day 1 of their course. Anyinappropriate content can be deleted by the LearningSpecialist. Additional communication will occurbetween the student and the Learning Specialist. If theproblem continues notification shall be made to theLearning Network Manager.

Lack of Participation or Engagement The students will receive weekly participationevaluations. The Learning Specialist will provide thestudents with an outline of participation requirements.Their participation scores will be based upon their levelof engagement. The Learning Specialist must reach outto the student for additional support if there is adecrease in the student’s participation.

As a Learning Specialist you may encounter a student who has a learning disability. It is important that these students be given equal opportunities to learn.

The course syllabus must advise the learners that learning accommodations are available and be given information on how they can access these resources. Please reach out to your Learning Manager with any questions regarding the resources available for your course.

Additional time to complete discussion questions,

assignments and assessments

The course syllabus will have a weekly

assignment breakdown

Textbooks will be available in audio format

** Additional resources may be available. Please see your Learning Managerfor a complete list of all available resources for your course

A. Exemption from assignments, assessments and course discussions

B. Additional time to complete assignments, assessments and course discussions

C. Audio textbooks

D. Access to weekly assignment breakdowns

E. B,C & D

A. Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats, Course Assignments and Course Assessments

B. Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats and Course Assignments

C. Discussion Forums, Course Assignments and Course Assessments

D. None of the above

True

False

True

False

Write a 500 word paper in which you reflect upon three or more topics from our course. The paper will need to capture your thoughts and experiences based upon your topics.

This assignment must be uploaded to your student website on Monday, March 7th.

The correct answer is D. The Learning Network provides the following ADA accommodations:

•Additional time to complete assignments, discussions and assessments

The correct answer is A. The Learning Management System uses the following tools to motivate student learning:

•Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats, Course Assignments and Course Assessments

The correct answer is True.

•The Phases for Distance Learners are Visitor, Novice, Apprentice, Insider and Master.

The correct answer is True.

•Synchronous learning means the student and the instructor attend the classroom at the same time

The correct Answer is D. The Learning Network provides the following ADA accommodations:

•Additional time to complete assignments, discussions and assessments

The correct Answer is A. The Learning Management System uses the following tools to motivate student learning:

•Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats, Course Assignments and Course Assessments

The correct Answer is True. The Phases of Development for Distance Instructors are :

• Visitor, Novice, Apprentice, Insider and Master.

The correct Answer is True.

• Synchronous learning means the student and the instructor attend the classroom at the same time

You have reached the end of our training program. I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication throughout this learning experience.

After completing your final assessments, please use the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XS8N22Z tocomplete a short survey regarding this course

Please reach out to me if you have any additional questions. Welcome to the Learning Network!

Medrano, H. (2005). Learning Communities. Retrieved from

http://halmedrano.com/527/theories/lc.html

Palloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2011).The Excellent Online Instructor. Retrieved

from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Rowan, B. (2013). 5 Useful Free Web Tools for Project Based Learning

Assignments. Retrieved from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2013/11/5-useful-free-web-tools-for-project-based-learning-assignments

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. (n.d.). Engaging Adults Learners with Technology. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1236&context=libtech_conf