And here is the job description our team came up with. I'm not really sure if it is quite complete enough but this could have something to do with the small number of words we had to write it...
Purpose of the role
The purpose of this position is to facilitate high quality interaction in the e-learning environment which will enable students to apply their knowledge and to succeed in their chosen subjects through excellence in open and flexible learning delivery.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Educational - encouraging and supporting e-learners by communicating with them in their learning.
- Social – creating a safe, friendly and social learning environment by encouraging and promoting interaction through on-line discussions and activities among learners and between learners and the facilitator. “Successful facilitation requires attendance to the ‘social’ aspect of learning as well as to the ‘learning task’ (Ambrose 2001).”
- Managerial - The facilitator must be able to ensure the course is run to the standard set by the institution/standards body. Meanwhile, there are certain reporting activities that must occur such as setting the course objectives, scheduling tasks, timelines and making the necessary organisational decisions. Ensuring learners are working at their own pace, monitoring progress and managing online discussions. "At the beginning ( the ) role is 'managerial' (organizing work, agenda, deadlines, providing resources)" (Daele-D 2000a). Online Tutoring E-book Sarah Cornelius and Carol Higgison.
- Technical - The facilitator is expected to make participants comfortable with the technology. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of online instructional design along with good computer and software skills. Have the ability to build online teams, facilitate the integration of research results with teaching material and have up to date knowledge of how tools in the learning environment work.
Person specification
- Excellent knowledge and skills of online instructional design
- Knowledge of the teaching process
- Commitment, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to online teaching
- Basic knowledge of tools students intereact with.
- It is "an advantage to have tutors directly interfacing with students on technical issues" (Cornelius & Higgison 200 p. 19)
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills -both verbal and written
- Possess a "positive attitude to online teaching" and "an ability to be innovated and experimental" (Backroad Connections Pty. Ltd 2002 p.3)
- E-facilitator should have willingness to learn the use of new technologies in the design and delivery
- Demonstrated experience in adult education learning environment is also desirable to be able to understand adult education principles and be able to respond adequately to their demands.
Demonstrated skills and experience
- The ideal online facilitator must have knowledge of and experience with the facilitation and design of online courses. Excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Experience in real world applications of their subject matter and to understand issues as well as being able to provide possible solutions to the problems learners may come across during their learning experience. Current knowledge of practices within the subject as well as being up to date with the current trends is expected.
- Having an awareness of educational theories and different teaching and learning styles and how these styles and theories might apply to the on-line learning context, is an important element.
- Excellent communication skills are required and the facilitator must be able to communicate content through interaction, while making the online experience effective, interesting and interactive.
Personal qualities
- The ideal candidate will have an ability to establish and maintain an online identity, is able to adapt to new teaching contexts, methods, audiences and roles.
- Has strong communication skills and can demonstrate a positive attitude, commitment, enthusiasm, openness, concern, flexibility and sincerity within this environment.
