Role of the educator in supporting learning in an online environment: vision for the future

Abstract

There is often a perception that human-computer interaction online is an impersonal activity. However, online teaching practitioners at the University of Southern Queensland have identified that a critical principle of online pedagogy is that the “human” touch must be created and maintained throughout the learning experience, enabling learners to be members of a facilitated, interactive learning community. The focus on high levels of interaction creates quality online experiences but this approach can be time and labour intensive. The authors have explored teaching and learning issues in the online environment, and a number of ways to address these issues. They have also trialled the use of tutors from both national and international arenas to support on-site educators. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the educator in supporting the online learner by reflecting on the experiences of practitioners, online learners, and the literature.