Evaluate Available Resources on Online Facilitation



Independent Facilitator
Lesson 12:

Evaluate Available Resources on Online Facilitation

To become an independent online facilitator, you will need resources that provide information on both the practical aspects of online facilitation and the business aspects of becoming independent, such as books, online courses, and websites/blogs.

Books:

    • "The Business of Teaching: A Guide for Women Who Want to Build a Business in Education" by Dr. Victoria Boyd. This book provides information on how to start your own business in education, including online education. It specifically addresses challenges women might face in this field.

    • "The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips" by Judith V. Boettcher and Rita-Marie Conrad. While not specific to independent facilitation, this book provides a wealth of practical advice on online facilitation that could be valuable to anyone starting in this field.

Online Courses:

    • "Become an Online Instructor" on LinkedIn Learning. This course provides a comprehensive overview of online instruction, including designing an online course, using multimedia for teaching online, and building a community for learners.

    • "Entrepreneurship in Education: Venture Into the Field" by the University of Naples Federico II on edX. This course could provide valuable insights into starting an independent venture in the field of education.

Websites/Blogs:

    • Faculty Focus: While it is primarily focused on traditional higher education, Faculty Focus includes many articles that provide advice and strategies for effective online teaching.

    • The eLearning Coach: This website offers tips and strategies for designing and implementing effective eLearning, which would be relevant for an independent online facilitator.

    • The Rapid E-Learning Blog: This blog by Tom Kuhlmann provides practical advice on building eLearning courses, including extensive resources on using Articulate Storyline, a popular eLearning development tool.

When evaluating these resources, consider their relevance to your specific goals and context, the credibility of the source, the date of publication (to ensure the information is current), and the practicality of the advice provided. Be sure to also seek out resources on business topics like marketing, client relations, and financial management, as these will be important for the "independent" part of being an independent online facilitator.

A checklist can serve as a guide for evaluating resources; however, the most valuable resources will depend on your specific needs and context.

Task:  Identify two web resources about 'Online Facilitation' and use the checklist below to evaluate their effectiveness:

Credibility:

  • Is the source reputable? Is it published by a respected organization or individual with expertise in online facilitation?

  • Does the source provide references or cite other credible sources?

Relevance:

  • Does the resource relate to the specific topic of online facilitation that you're interested in?

  • Does it provide practical advice or strategies that you can apply to your own practice?

Accuracy:

  • Is the information provided in the resource accurate and reliable?

  • Does it align with other credible sources you have found?

Timeliness:

  • Is the resource current? This is particularly important for online facilitation, as technology and best practices can change rapidly.

Clarity and Comprehensibility:

  • Is the information presented in a clear, easy-to-understand manner?

  • Does the resource use jargon or technical terms without explanation?

Depth and Detail:

  • Does the resource provide an in-depth analysis or just a surface-level overview?

  • Does it explore different aspects of online facilitation?

Objectivity:

  • Does the resource present an unbiased perspective, or is it promoting a specific product, service, or viewpoint?

Practical Application:

  • Does the resource provide practical examples, case studies, or actionable tips?

  • Is it clear how you could apply the information to your own practice as an online facilitator?

User Experience (for digital resources):

  • Is the website or digital platform easy to navigate?

  • Are there any issues with accessibility, such as small text size or lack of alt text for images?

References:

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