Facilitating Online: A New Skill for a New Age

This course is providing a structure for me to stop procrastinating on doing things such as setting up my Skype so it really works.  It's also giving me a glimpse into a far bigger world out there than just saving women's lovely bellies from the scalpel and saving boys' penises from mutilation.  There are educators, designers, business people who are just as passionate as me about having the world work for everyone, who knew?

Here are some things I've been grappling with:

• What is online facilitation? 

the root word of facilitation is the French "facile" which is to make easy.  That's what online facilitators do.  They bring people together, assist in communication and step back and let the group go where it wants to go.  Sort of like standing on the edge of a sword all the time.  Not knowing how much is too much, how much is too little. . . each time is new. . . no real "rules" to fly by. . . .interested in ideas and conversations unfolding.

• What skills do you need as an online facilitator?

 willing to take risks, to take the lead and to be criticized/adored depending on who is evaluating :).  A certain level of comfort with the nuts and bolts of the media or classroom you are working with, a sense of humour, and a desire to maximize the contribution of everyone in the group.

• How does a facilitator build an online community or network? 

using the online tools available (Google, Twitter, blogging, email groups, meeting rooms, Skype, etc.)  Creating a professional reputation (to profess and have your words matter).  Providing encouragement to others with similar interests (sharing the link love as Laureen Hudson so aptly puts it.)

• What are the key things to remember when facilitating an event, meeting or education course, especially when working with people who are new to online technology?

be prepared (like the Girl Guides), get online well before the event,  have a plan, stay on track, and delete anyone who disobeys (just kiddin')

• What is the difference between teaching and facilitation? 

teaching is providing information in a way that it is retained and useful.  Facilitation is a bringing together of ideas and information in a way that participants open up new domains and generate new ideas.

• What is netiquette?

doing the right and decent thing online.  Being on time, keeping your word, waiting your turn, not stealing, not gossiping, sharing your snacks (just kiddin), etc.  Just like kindergarten.