“For online learning to be successful and happy, participants need to be supported through a structured developmental process. The five-stage-model provides a framework or scaffold for a structured and paced programme of e-tivities. 
​The five-stage-model offers essential support and development to participants at each stage as they build up expertise in learning online” – Gilly Salmon

I thoroughly enjoyed this topic! I enjoyed both leading, researching and learning more about this. Being in the online education sector, our focus is primarily on the student journey and how best to ensure that the student participates, is supported and that we apply the best learning design for learning online. Collaborative learning environments ideally need to be able to balance the scale between being teacher-driven and student-centred. Collaborative learning means steering away from a ‘one-size-fits-all model of education and rather toward building learning around the learner.

Salmon (2005) proposed a 5-Stage model of Teaching and Learning Online that can be a useful mechanism to use when designing and facilitating effective online activities. This is the model we as a PBL group decided to work with and use for guidance and I have also adapted this in my place of work.

1. Online facilitator needs to ensure all students can access and are supported in using the online interactive learning environment. Activities should be designed to welcome and encourage students.
2. Online facilitator needs to provide activities that help students to establish their online identities and provide opportunities to interact with others.
3. Online facilitator develops activities that provide students with opportunities to share module relevant information and a form of co-operation occurs, i.e. support for each person’s goals.
4. Group discussions occur and the interaction between students becomes more collaborative. The Online Facilitator acts as a guide. The communication depends on the establishment of common understandings.
5. Participants look for more benefits from the online system to help them achieve personal goals, explore how to integrate learning into own context and work place and reflect on the learning processes.

• Salmon, G. (2005) The Five stage Model [online] Available from: http://www.gillysalmon.com/five-stage-model.html