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'Operating at the Limit of What Was Possible': A Case Study of Facilitator Experiences in an Open Online Course

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Title: 'Operating at the Limit of What Was Possible': A Case Study of Facilitator Experiences in an Open Online Course
Language: English
Authors: Rowe, Michael
Source: Curriculum and Teaching. Dec 2018 33(2):91-105.
Availability: James Nicholas Publishers. PO Box 5179, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia. Tel: +61-39-696-5545; Fax: +61-39-699-2040; e-mail: custservice@jnponline.com; Web site: https://www.jamesnicholaspublishers.com.au/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Case Studies, Facilitators (Individuals), Online Courses, Open Education, Large Group Instruction, Undergraduate Students, Reflection, Foreign Countries, Physiology
Geographic Terms: South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Estonia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, United States
DOI: 10.7459/ct/33.2.06
ISSN: 0726-416X
Abstract: The experiences of course facilitators in connectivist-type MOOCs are poorly reported. Yet there is evidence that the values and beliefs of facilitators have an important impact on the learning experiences of participants, and that reducing their interactions with students may also reduce the effectiveness of the course. This study aimed to determine the experiences of the facilitators of an open online course in order to develop a deeper understanding of how those experiences may have influenced the course outcomes. Three facilitators recorded their reflective discussion following the completion of a successful open online course among undergraduate physiotherapy students and a cohort of qualified physiotherapists from around the world. Facilitators in this course aimed to increase the number of meaningful interactions between all participants, finding that this led to significant challenges in developing and maintaining learner relationships. There were a variety of pressures that exerted an influence on their involvement. Course design influenced the number, type and quality of interactions, which came at a high cost in facilitator time and energy. However, they also led to rewarding learning experiences for both facilitators and participants.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 16
Entry Date: 2019
Accession Number: EJ1204752
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: 'Operating at the Limit of What Was Possible': A Case Study of Facilitator Experiences in an Open Online Course
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  Data: James Nicholas Publishers. PO Box 5179, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia. Tel: +61-39-696-5545; Fax: +61-39-699-2040; e-mail: custservice@jnponline.com; Web site: https://www.jamesnicholaspublishers.com.au/
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  Data: The experiences of course facilitators in connectivist-type MOOCs are poorly reported. Yet there is evidence that the values and beliefs of facilitators have an important impact on the learning experiences of participants, and that reducing their interactions with students may also reduce the effectiveness of the course. This study aimed to determine the experiences of the facilitators of an open online course in order to develop a deeper understanding of how those experiences may have influenced the course outcomes. Three facilitators recorded their reflective discussion following the completion of a successful open online course among undergraduate physiotherapy students and a cohort of qualified physiotherapists from around the world. Facilitators in this course aimed to increase the number of meaningful interactions between all participants, finding that this led to significant challenges in developing and maintaining learner relationships. There were a variety of pressures that exerted an influence on their involvement. Course design influenced the number, type and quality of interactions, which came at a high cost in facilitator time and energy. However, they also led to rewarding learning experiences for both facilitators and participants.
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