Reflections on conflict

Conflict is such an important topic when we think of groups and group dynamics. Conflict manifests itself in so many forms. Managing and resolving conflict is where the true test lies as it is important as a tutor to remain neutral and objective, ascertain the facts and deal with each member's concerns in an impartial, non-judgmental manner. Everyone needs to feel a sense that they have been given an opportunity to be heard and justice has been allowed to prevail, whether in their favour or not. The tutor is after all the mediator whether face to face or online.

On facilitation..

As a continuation to the discussion on engendering trust in online communications, as a facilitator I am resolute towards:

• Creating a safe and nurturing environment where the opinion of every participant is valued

• Providing feedback which is objective and free from bias

• Providing feedback which highlight those areas of performance which satisfy standards and expectations

• Stiving to uphold the highest of moral and ethical values

• Motivating you to always give of your best

• Striving to design, utilise and execute teaching and learning activities based on educational best practice

• Fostering critical thinking through effective pedagogy

• Encouraging communication based on mutual trust and respect
  

Trust and online facilitation

It is said that trust is never given, trust is earned...

When one considers the anonymity of the Internet and sometimes impersonal nature of the medium, the dynamics of groups, the issue(s), strength(s) and weakness(es) that each member of a group brings to the group and all the other factors which affect and impact on how we conduct facilitation, we realise that when we use online methods for communication, a significant part of the social interaction which exists when face to face no longer exists.

We may summarize that the basic elements of trust stem from: clear, timely open communication with mutual respect and acknowledgement if we are to begin engendering trust from and amongst participants in online facilitation.

Evaluating media/medium

Choosing the right media/medium is an integral part of effective and efficient communications. Each medium has its own advantage and disadvantage and so too in its own right, each media. As educators we must first examine - What message are we trying to convey? and evaluate the media/medium which will get our message across to our learners without becoming distorted. Albeit that everyone interprets differently, careful construction of what we say is just as vitally important as how we say it.

Face to face vs. online communication

Communication via face to face or online each has its own relative advantages and disadvantages.

Consider the fact that with online communication one can delay their response and reflect before making a response. This offers the extra opportunity to THINK before speaking or writing. While face to face is easy for some people, a vast majority experience great difficulty. This is further exacerbated when the communication is with a large audience.

Online communication allows us to have a much further reach than we would ordinarily have using face to face methods.

What online communication does not always offer is being able to determine mood or tone based on intonation, pitch, body language and visual cues. It also does not allow us to remove the element of trust or suspicion (especially in cases where you will have to take the word of a person whom you cannot see). Face to face communication supports social activities - eating together, giving a pat on the shoulder for a job well done and several informal interactions that would otherwise be a challenge to perform in an online community with mere words.

On interactivity...

As an educator in an online environment, we must remember that the medium is neutral and does not allow for the cues which face to face interactions give. As a result, we must remember that it is not only what we say, but how we say it. Different words mean different things to us all. How we perceive what someone is saying is much more difficult when we don't have visual or oral cues to help.

Either way, online or real world, motivation and objectivity go a long way in helping others. We must not allow ourselves to be caught up in critiquing flaws that we forget to highlight the good however insignificant they may seem.

To new challenges

Being an educator as a 'sage on a stage' or a 'guide on the side' is one thing. When the roles reverse and you are the student, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on the craft that is teaching, and more importantly what is learning.

Sometimes, the best teacher in life is experience. One module over, another begun.

Behold the kettle, even though to the neck in boiling water, it continues to sing.

When establishing an online presence it is great to know who your fellow colleagues and participants are. The usual social courtesies apply in the e-world just as in the real. Once you have exchanged the pleasantries, it is always a great idea to reflect on where you are at the beginning competency wise before progressing. That way upon completion you can see how far you have journeyed and are able to have milestones by which your growth and development can be measured.

We may complain that the time is short. When is the time ever enough? Carpe Diem my fellow colleagues.