The Role of the Online Teacher and Student

The following information is from: Palloff, R. and Pratt, K. (2003). The Virtual Student: A Profile and Guide to Working with Online Learners. San Francisco: Josey Bass.

The Role of the Online Teacher is about creating a learner-focused online environment.

What does this mean..? According to Maryellen Weimer, author and professor, there are 5 key changes that need to occur to create a learner-centred environment.

1. The Balance of Power Needs to Change
   Become a "guide on the side" and be the CONTENT EXPERT! "As content experts, instructors create the container for learning, establishing meaningful boundaries to the area and helping students to stay on track. However, they are not the fount form which knowledge flows." (p.125)
   
   
2. The Function of Content Needs to Change
   Have students work together to create knowledge and meaning. Make the process of learning collaboratively the focus and not the content.
   
   
3. The Role of the Teacher Needs to Change
   "If the goal of teaching is to promote learning, then the role the teacher takes to accomplish that goal changes considerably." (Weimer. 126) Students want the teacher to be PART of the class- either as the facilitator or co-learner.
   
   
4. The Responsibility for Learning Needs to Change
   Students will get out of an online course what they put in...
   
   
5. The Purpose and Process of Evaluation Need to Change
   Reflection, surveys, "muddiest point".

What does the Online Learner Want?

• Reassurance that their postings on the online discussion are on track
• CLEAR instructions: expectations and assignments
• Course assessments and surveys- frequent "temperature" checks
• Reasonable work load
• Prompt feedback
• Orientation to the technology
• Technical Support