The NCSSM Connect Facilitator's Role
Facilitators are an important part of the NCSSM Connect experience for both teachers and students. They are one of the first points of contact between NCSSM Connect instructors and students.
WHAT DOES A FACILITATOR DO?
ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTION
Depending on the school's hardware and software setup, this can vary. Some sites have the Polycom system setup like what we use in the studios. Other sites are using other software such as Zoom to connect to class using a laptop or desktop application with a mounted webcam and headset microphones. The facilitator works with local IT staff to ensure that the software and hardware are functioning properly so that students can be interactive participants in the course.
PROCTORING TESTS AND QUIZZES
Just as you would walk around the classroom and monitor student progress on a test or quiz in a face-to-face classroom, facilitators assist with this function in the NCSSM Connect environment. Because you can't be there in person to proctor assessments, facilitators serve as your eyes and ears in the classroom. Just make sure to communicate your expectations for proctoring! Make sure to communicate the following information about assessments for proctoring:
Are there any restrictions on what students can access while the assessment is in progress? For example, are students permitted to use notes, textbooks, or external websites?
How much time should be allotted for the assessment? You have the option to time quizzes in Canvas, but make sure to alert the facilitator as to whether students should take the quiz at the start of class, by the end of class, etc.
What do you expect of students who miss the quiz? Can the quiz be made up at a later date? Does the grade get recorded as a zero?
CLASSROOM SUPPORT
Do you have a lab exercise that requires adult supervision? Or do you need students to have a physical pages of a document in-hand during class time? If you were in the same physical space as the students, you would provide these supports. However, since you are on-screen with the students instead, you need someone to assist with endeavors such as these. Make sure to communicate with your facilitator in advance about how he or she can help support instruction in your class.
Here are some examples of how facilitators commonly support NCSSM Connect instruction.
Printing documents for class time or homework
Assisting with lab setup and clean up
Providing craft supplies, meter sticks, etc. for students as needed
Proctoring tests, quizzes, exams, and makeup assessments as needed
Communicating about scheduling conflicts that impact class time such as field trips, assemblies, teacher workdays, inclement weather, etc.
Procuring and issuing textbooks to students
Troubleshooting general computer issues
Troubleshooting audiovisual equipment
Communicating with guidance counselors as needed to support struggling students