Facilitation Facilitating an online learning environment was considered to be an underestimated role. Facilitators of online learning environments consistently report that greater cognitive effort, a wider range and depth of skills and more time was required for effective facilitation. They also pointed out that an elegantly designed learning environment can fall over and have less impact if the facilitator does not have the range of skills to engage with learners and support them as they develop their own learning systems.
Online facilitation changes the role of the teacher.
The role shifts from that of information provider and teacher to that of a coach, an orchestrator of resources and a leader and guide in the learning process. It may include questioning, supporting, leading and pacing, providing explanation and additional resources. Induction programs, the establishment and maintainence of learning communities, group tutorials and individual feedback are all emerging as important elements of an effective online learning environment. Feedback therefore required more thought. Learners were less tolerant of communication delays.