Professional learning for the online/blended facilitator in an AI era
TL;DR
Four key revisions to the course are discussed: the adoption of an Intentionally Equitable Hospitality approach, the expansion of support through a community of mentors, the revision of the assessment strategy and the redesign of learning activities in recognition of GAI.
Abstract
The advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has resulted in considerations for what these technologies mean for learning and teaching practices in higher education. A key consideration is the effect on the role of a human facilitator. While emerging technologies such as AI are becoming embedded in learning and teaching practices, the importance of humanness in online learning remains. This experiential paper reports on the processes of revising and adapting a professional learning short course for a GAI era on how to facilitate learning in online and blended settings. The “Facilitating Online” short course aims to support facilitators in different educational contexts with the development of strategies and skills to support a community of learners in online and blended environments. Using a self-reflective approach, four key revisions to the course are discussed: the adoption of an Intentionally Equitable Hospitality approach, the expansion of support through a community of mentors, the revision of the assessment strategy and the redesign of learning activities in recognition of GAI. This short paper contributes a consideration of the processes and practical insights in redesigning professional learning short courses in an AI era.