This dissertation aims to explore the roles of facilitators in online teacher training
courses. Data were collected from three e-learning courses delivered in Hungary to
adult learners of English as a Foreign Language and ICT methodology. Quantitative
data on facilitator behaviour were obtained using data mining techniques, and
qualitative data were collected using interviews with the 28 facilitators in the
courses. A mixed method analysis of data was implemented in the study. The
quantitative data analysis was used to observe the patterns of online presence of
facilitators, whereas the qualitative data were analysed using the constant
comparative method. The results show that facilitators have a positive impact on
participants’ motivation, progress and achievements in the online setting.
Contradictory findings are reported in relation with the roles facilitators play in
face-to-face meetings with the participants in online courses. Due to the
conflicting interests of course providers, learners, and facilitators, alternative
views
were identified on the role of meetings. Facilitators reported their strong belief
that
groups can empower individual learners and can enhance the results achieved in
online instruction.
The analysis of the data suggests that groups are not static during the online
courses, but constantly develop. Group development, however, is more complex
and less predictable than suggested by the models of Salmon (2000) and Moulen
(2007). The course participants and facilitators in the three courses used both
synchronous and asynchronous ways of communication. The communication
patterns in the courses were evaluated as being useful mostly both by the learners
and the facilitators. Evaluation and feedback techniques varied in the three courses,
but were considered to be compulsory elements of online courses as well. It is
suggested that new types of test taking methods should be applied in online
courses that match the methodology of the courses. Finally, the necessity of special
training for online instructors was proposed.
