Summary of Responsibilities:

·      In communicating the IB mission with an emphasis on international-mindedness and the learner profile, the facilitator ensures an accessible, engaging and equitable teaching and learning environment 

·      Adheres to the facilitator course checklist 

·      Communication -content creation -assessments

·      Clearly communicates the learning outcomes for the course 

·      Establishes a clear picture of how each element of the course is meant to contribute to those outcomes.

·      Develops and delivers a comprehensive online workshop filled with activities for learners to participate in professional learning, dialogue and collaborative projects

·      Promotes collaboration 

·      Fosters support and participation

·      Facilitates the activities and assessments 

·      Remains objective and demonstrates a respect for multiple perspectives.

Demetra Tzevelekos 

“He/she communicates with depth and insight to impact, influence, and inspire.”  

The  importance of effective communication is obviously central to all teaching and learning. The crucial element in on line workshop leadership is the increased possibility for misunderstanding due to the lack of visual cues such as body language and facial expression in particular. There is a much higher risk of tone and register being misunderstood and a much higher likelihood of cultural differences, language barriers leading to potential sensitivities. 

 Providing feedback needs to be very carefully considered-  the intention to provide constructive advice may be misread, either through being too effusive in praise or interpreted as too harsh and demotivating. In short, all the potential problems that can happen so easily face to face in a classroom and in a workshop can be magnified on line.

Effective communication would be as neutral as possible in tone, avoid ambiguity by avoiding attempts at humour which can be misread. A balance would need to be struck between praise for the ideas expressed, correction of any serious misunderstandings, and ways forward suggested without criticism where there was potential for further development of the participant’s understanding.

The facilitator must keep language simple and straightforward and adopt the language used by the IB as much as possible to avoid misunderstanding.

 

Organiser.- I picked this first but then looking at other groups see many people have also picked this and I have nothing additional to add to their thoughts. I still think it is crucial.

 

 “It leads to innovation and flexible new ways of doing.”

It is clear that effective and thoughtful preparation needs to happen before the workshop. However, to fully engage the participants and keep them on board, there need to be additional elements which are a response to the subject knowledge, the dynamic of the group,  and do not depend purely on generic activities. Opportunities need to be created to respond to the creative thinking of the participants, break out groups, chat,  sharing ideas. Problem solving can generate creative thinking.

By the end of the workshop the participants need to feel as though they are walking away with the ideas, skills, confidence and motivation to improve their practice.

I am still reflecting on how we, as leaders, can ensure that the on line workshop moves beyond the generic to ensure new ways of doing.