What are the best ways to facilitate online learning?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to facilitate online learning is to select a platform that suits your learning objectives, content, and audience. There are many options available, from video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams, to learning management systems like Moodle or Canvas, to interactive platforms like Miro or Padlet. Consider the features, functionalities, and costs of each platform, and how they align with your learning outcomes, pedagogy, and assessment methods. For example, if you want to foster collaboration and creativity, you might opt for a platform that allows learners to co-create, share, and comment on digital artifacts.

2 Design for engagement

The second step to facilitate online learning is to design your learning activities and materials for engagement. To capture and sustain the attention and motivation of your learners, you should use a variety of media, such as audio, video, images, animations, and infographics, to present content in an engaging way. Additionally, incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes, polls, games, simulations, and scenarios to check for understanding and provide feedback. Furthermore, create opportunities for social interaction among learners through discussions, debates, peer feedback, and group projects. Finally, provide choice and autonomy by allowing learners to select their own topics, pace or learning paths to cater to their preferences.

3 Prepare and communicate

The third step to facilitate online learning is to prepare and communicate effectively with your learners. To ensure they have all the information and support they need to succeed, you should provide a clear and detailed syllabus, outline, or agenda that explains the learning objectives, expectations, requirements, and assessment criteria. Additionally, you should establish and communicate the norms, rules, and etiquette of your online learning environment. Furthermore, sending regular reminders, updates, and announcements to your learners via email, text messages, or notifications will keep them informed, engaged, and on track. Lastly, offering multiple channels and modes of communication such as chat, voice, video or email will address the different needs, preferences and situations of your learners.

4 Facilitate and moderate

The fourth step to facilitate online learning is to facilitate and moderate your online learning activities and interactions. This requires more facilitation and moderation skills than face-to-face learning, as you need to create a positive, inclusive, and productive online learning atmosphere. To do this, use a warm and friendly tone, effective questioning techniques, positive reinforcement, praise, and recognition. Additionally, use active listening, paraphrasing, and feedback to show interest, respect, and appreciation, and address any concerns. By doing so, you can connect with your learners and make them feel welcome and comfortable while stimulating discussion and reflection.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step to facilitate online learning is to monitor and evaluate your online learning process and outcomes. This type of learning requires more tracking, measuring, and improving than face-to-face learning, so it's important to use analytics, reports, and dashboards to collect and analyze data on learners' progress, performance, and behavior. Additionally, surveys, interviews, and focus groups can be used to gain feedback from learners on their satisfaction. Self-assessment, reflection, and action planning can help identify areas for development as an online facilitator. Lastly, peer observation, mentoring, and coaching are also beneficial for receiving feedback and support from other online facilitators.

6 Adapt and innovate

The sixth and final step to facilitate online learning is to adapt and innovate your online learning design and delivery. Online learning is a constantly changing field, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities. You can do this by exploring new tools, platforms, and features that can add value to your online learning environment. Additionally, incorporating new pedagogies, methodologies, and frameworks can help enrich your outcomes. Networking with other facilitators, learners, and experts can also provide valuable insights into your practice. Finally, review and revise your online learning goals based on data, feedback, and reflections.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?