Artifact(s):  DB Facilitation / Voki / Virtual Office

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​OVERVIEW:  Part of my duties with Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) require that  I facilitate discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and voiceboards to ensure that students stay on topic and observe an appropriate online dialogue on various and sometimes controversial subjects.  Also, it helps to create a sense of community and student engagement to use a variety of communication tools and media in the weekly announcements.  This may include graphics, audio, video or a Voki avatar.



Even in a strictly online setting, it is sometimes necessary to speak directly to my students in order to provide clarity or additional instruction.  Most of the time, that conversation takes place over the telephone or occasionally in the virtual "office" where I use Blackboard Collaborate which allows for audio, visual, or chat box functionality depending upon the comfort level or technology available to the student.



​Performance Indicator #1:  The online teacher is a thoughtful and responsive communicator.



​Performance Indicator #2:  The online teacher models effective communication sgtrategies in conveying ideas and information and in asking questions to stimulate discussion and promote higher-order thinking (e.g., discussion board facilitation, personal communications, and web-conferencing).



​Performance Indicator #3:  The online teacher demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively using a variety of mediums.



​Performance Indicator #4:  The online teacher adjusts communication in response to cultural differences (e.g., wait time and authority).