We deeply appreciate Dr. Kaushik Sridhar for taking the time to sit down with Celeste Kocabay, our Head of People and Culture, and share his invaluable insights. His expertise and perspective are truly empowering. With a wealth of experience and a passion for creating positive, informative, and engaging learning experiences, Dr. Sridhar shares his insights on what it takes to become a superstar facilitator. Join us as we delve into his journey and explore the key elements that contribute to effective online learning facilitation.
I began my career as a professional tennis player and then transitioned to a corporate career in sustainability. I spent the last 19 years working across Big 4 consulting and in-house roles within mining, real estate, healthcare, IT, and education.
Over the years, I discovered my passion for mentoring and coaching people, which led me to pursue opportunities in training and development.
As digital transformation accelerated, I saw a significant opportunity to leverage my experience in an online setting, leading to my transition into online learning facilitation.
The inspiration came from a desire to make education more accessible and flexible.
My commercial experience, especially in understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions, has greatly influenced my approach.
I aim to create engaging, practical, and interactive learning experiences that cater to diverse learners.
Key skills include excellent communication, adaptability, technological proficiency, and the ability to foster engagement.
An effective online facilitator must also be empathetic, organised, and skilled in creating a sense of community.
Once, I had a cohort of students with varied professional backgrounds and learning preferences.
I adapted by incorporating a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to address different learning styles, ensuring everyone could grasp the concepts effectively.
I use interactive tools like polls, quizzes, and breakout rooms to maintain engagement.
Regular feedback sessions, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects also help keep the content relevant and interesting.
I frequently use platforms like Zoom for live sessions, Moodle for course management, and collaborative tools like Slido.
These tools are user-friendly, reliable, and offer a range of features that enhance interaction and organisation.
In one course, I used a virtual simulation to give students hands-on experience in a risk-free environment.
This integration allowed students to experiment and learn from mistakes without real-world consequences, significantly enhancing their understanding and confidence.
I create discussion forums, encourage peer-to-peer feedback, and organise group projects.
Regular virtual coffee breaks and informal chats also help students connect on a personal level.
I provide clear schedules, set regular milestones, and offer personalised support through one-on-one meetings.
Encouraging students to set personal goals and using tools like time management apps can also help them stay on track.
I follow industry blogs, attend webinars, participate in professional networks, etc.
Continuous learning is vital to staying current with new methodologies and technologies.
One of my students, who struggled with traditional learning methods, enjoyed our online course due to the interactive and flexible approach.
They went on to secure a promotion at work, attributing their success to the skills and confidence gained from the course.
The biggest challenge was engaging students, who were initially reluctant to participate.
I overcame this by gradually building rapport, incorporating engaging content, and creating a safe, supportive learning environment.
Online facilitators will increasingly become mentors and guides, focusing on personalised learning paths.
The integration of AI and data analytics will allow for more tailored educational experiences.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will revolutionise experiential learning.
Additionally, AI-driven personalised learning platforms will offer customised educational experiences, improving outcomes for diverse learners.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing students achieve their goals and knowing that my guidance played a part in their success.
Seeing their growth and confidence increase is incredibly fulfilling.
Stay connected with Dr. Kaushik by following him on LinkedIn: Dr. Kaushik Sridhar on LinkedIn.