Teaching at the Centre—Again
In recent years, we’ve seen a welcome return to fundamentals: teaching as the core of the university experience. This shift places instructors—not systems or strategies—back in the spotlight. More than ever, universities are investing in the professional learning of teaching staff, recognising that effective facilitation is essential to student success.
Why Pedagogy Still Matters
Curio’s work across universities and institutions has shown us that good teaching—online or offline—relies on a consistent set of principles:
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Responsiveness to student needs
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Clarity and coherence in course materials
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Compassion and energy
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A sense of community
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The organisational ability to solve problems quickly and manage systems smoothly
These principles align closely with what scholars like Gilly Salmon and Diana Laurillard have long argued: that the best digital learning environments are built on strong pedagogical foundations, not just clever technology.
A New Skillset for a New Mode
Online facilitation demands more than subject expertise. Instructors need to navigate technology platforms, communicate across time zones, and design engaging experiences for diverse student cohorts. This new mode of teaching draws on a unique blend of capabilities—content knowledge, digital fluency, and pedagogical depth. The TPACK framework (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) captures this blend well: great online educators sit at the intersection of all three domains.
What the Evidence Tells Us
Although there’s no single recipe for great teaching, the research consistently highlights the role of teacher efficacy—confidence, experimentation, and continuous learning—as a driver of student outcomes. Teaching teams that support each other, try new approaches, and invest in their own development tend to deliver better, more engaging learning experiences.
Facilitation: The Expanding Role of the Instructor
“Facilitation” has become the umbrella term for what online instructors do. And it’s a big job.
Facilitators:
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Spark discussions in forums across global time zones
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Personalise and scale feedback
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Manage digital tools, LMS platforms, and apps
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Keep learners engaged, motivated and progressing
It’s demanding work that requires a clear sense of purpose, an understanding of the learning journey, and a strong support system.
Building the Future of Online Teaching
At Curio, we believe the next frontier of teaching excellence lies in the refinement of online facilitation. That’s why we’ve designed a course that helps instructors develop the confidence and capability to lead high-quality online learning.
- Dr Mark Jones, MD of Curio Europe