10 Describing the Role of an Online Instructor
As you have already learned, when you join an online course, you become part of what is known as a community of inquiry, and you take on an important role in this online learning environment.
Figure 10.1: The community of inquiry framework. Illustration by Jessica Tang.
Because of the way courses are set up and delivered, they are not necessarily developed by your instructor. For example, at AU, courses are developed by a team of academic experts, including academic coordinators and professors, as well as learning designers. This model helps ensure overall course quality and consistency. So what is the role of your instructor in this learning environment? Your online instructor provides the teaching presence to foster significant learning experiences for you and your fellow learners. Instructors also thoughtfully facilitate the content that will support your learning in the class. They also direct you by answering questions and challenging your assumptions to help you grow in your knowledge and skills.
Figure 10.2: Instructor roles. Illustration by Jessica Tang.
In online classrooms, your instructor takes on the following roles:
- • Guide: The instructor will help guide you toward readings and other learning materials that will serve your learning goals. Based on their experience in their field, they are able to help you focus your attention on learning resources that are accurate and relevant.
- • Facilitator: Your instructor carefully facilitates opportunities for you to learn the skills you need for your future career and supports you by interpreting assignments and learning activities to lead you toward intellectual, personal, and professional growth. As you review the course, consider each of the learning activities and assignments. Think about the reasons why your program may have selected these course components to contribute to your development.
- • Director: Online instructors are available to answer questions along the way. As you learn, you will inevitably find areas that are unclear to you, related to either the course content or your learning process. By communicating with your instructor effectively, you will take full advantage of their role in guiding you on your journey.1
1 D. R. Garrison and N. D. Vaughan, Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework, Principles, and Guidelines, 1st ed. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2008).