Internet Learning Volume 4, Number 1, Spring 2015 | Page 22

Internet Learning Journal – Volume 4, Issue 1 – Spring 2015
teaching and learning is driven by the pedagogical principles of teaching and learning rather
than technology itself, which captures the principles of effective e-learning” (Cottrell and
Donaldson, 2013, p. 221). Hence, learners should be provided with clear instructions and
navigation guides to get them acquainted with the learning management system that is used
to deliver the course.
Offir, Barth and Shteinbok, (2003) included the following roles for instructors: social
(positive environment through interactions), procedural (addressing administrative and
technical issues related to the lesson or course), expository (providing resources),
explanatory (answering questions), cognitive task engagement (enabling learners to process
content), and learning assistance interactions (ensuring retention) (p. 71). In their attempt to
measure presence in online environments, Witmer, and Singer (1998) included two set of
factors: Control factors (indicating authority) and sensory factors (indicating support). The
control factors include degrees of control, anticipation of events, mode of control, physical
environment modifiability and last but not least, immediacy of control (p. 229). Data in
Table 2 reveals the various roles instructors are expected to play in online class
environments as demonstrated in various research studies. The table also presents the
specific responsibilities associated with the roles.
Table 2 Role of Instructors in Online Class Environments
Role Of Instructor In Relation To
Responsibilities
Teaching Presence And Teaching
Immediacy
Mentor • Understanding learners’ personal learning
goals
• Helping them achieve their goals
Facilitator • Encouraging learners to be involved in the
class and owning learning content
• Encouraging learners to be involved
Designer and Developer • Designing courses to meet the learning
styles of learners (visual, auditory and
kinesthetic)
• Organizing course content and
information in a user-friendly way
Manager or supervisor • Resolving conflicts among learners
• Ensuring a safe environment for the
learners to share their experiences and
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