The importance of the teacher in the promotion of collaborative strategies in virtual environments

Abstract

In this paper the author analyzes the importance of the teacher in the boost of collaborative strategies in virtual environments. In this dimension of the virtual teacher or tutor, she brings out some aspects that enable or constrain the pedagogical actions and that these possibilities and constrains impinge on the success of the virtual educational experience. These pedagogical actions in virtual environments are mediated by the virtual teacher’s personality assets, professional knowledge, motivating and communicative competences, among others. She emphasizes virtual instruction as a responsible option that implies a long-life formation and qualification. Besides, she highlights the use of collaborative strategies as pedagogical mediations that enhance meaningful learning in the students, whose success is also attached to the virtual teacher’ role. Finally, the author exemplifies the virtual teacher’ role as a an educational mediator in virtual environments by presenting a collaborative-based experience carried out with virtual courses at the university level in which learned lessons, achievements and difficulties are pointed out.

Diá-logos 16, 9-20.