Internet Learning Volume 4, Number 1, Spring 2015 | Page 21

Internet Learning Journal – Volume 4, Issue 1 – Spring 2015
Miltiadou and Savenye (2003) proposed that motivation plays significant role in
deciding whether s student will succeed in a class environment. Therefore, the instructors
need to pay attention on students’ motivation. Researchers Palloff & Pratt (2003) suggested
that motivation plays a vital role in online class environment as it depends on learners’ selfdirected
learning pace.
Role of Instructors in Online Class Environments
Caudle (2013) proposed that “teaching presence is more involved than designing and
facilitating a community; it also includes caring for the affective domain and mediating
interactions” (p. 119). Based on the information received from the available literature, the
following unique roles of instructors are highlighted:
Course Facilitator. According to Silverstone and Keeler (2013), clear instructions in
facilitation increase learner and instructor interactions. Instructor’s presence and immediacy
in providing feedback are also capable of creating learner and instructor interactions. In a
study conducted by Silverstone and Keeler (2013) the concept of "Emergency help line" was
introduced. The students were given an email address that was solely created to address
students’ concerns.
Subject Matter Expert. Silverstone and Keeler (2013) proposed that in online classes
instructors can attempt to encourage creating information repository and sharing
information: “when managed effectively, discussion forums can encourage learners to share
information, build on the ideas of others, and construct understanding about the changing
world of technology” (Silverstone & Keeler, 2013, p. 18). Being at ease with the technology
being used help increase interactions with the actual content for the learners. According to
Cottrell and Donaldson (2013) accessibility to resources increases the interactions between
learners and content.
Manager. Students learn in different ways and therefore, online class environments should
consist of various measures like, lectures, videos, handouts, graphics, and activities to satisfy
learners with different learning style (Silverstone and Keeler, 2013). Kim and Hoop (2013)
advocated the importance of social interactions and learning by thinking and doing.
Learners’ previous experiences can facilitate their learning.
Course Designer. Nagel and Kotzé (2010) coined the importance of using technology
effectively to achieve learners’ engagement in online class environment. Nevertheless,
technology should not become the sole focus of the class. In the context of nurse education,
Cottrell and Donaldson (2013) advocated that technology in many cases, acts as a medium
to deliver content to the learners. It does not aid in the content itself. “The concept of
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