Online Facilitation Strategies: An Opportunity for Supporting Learner Engagement

• In Event: Inquiring as Online Learning Communities (Community of Inquiry)

Abstract

The rising popularity of online courses has presented researchers and practitioners with an opportunity to provide accessible learning opportunities scaffolded to support learner needs. However, despite their prevalence, many courses are unable to offer learners the necessary supports for an enriching social and cognitive learning experience. Several studies on online facilitation reveal the challenging endeavor to implement facilitation strategies that benefit facilitators and learners. In this study, we used the Community of Inquiry framework to understand how some online facilitation strategies impact learner engagement. We used data from learner surveys, facilitator focus groups and check-ins, and observations of facilitators' feedback. We then hypothesized possible reasons for these outcomes and what they suggested about the design of effective facilitation programs.

Authors

• Amin Marei, The University of Pennsylvania

• Susan A. Yoon, University of Pennsylvania

• Thomas Richman, The University of Pennsylvania

• Katherine M Miller, University of Pennsylvania