Virtually present: the perceived impact of remote facilitation on small group learning

The engagement of facilitators located remotely for small group learning has received little research attention. However, this approach could increase the pool of experts for small group learning, thus addressing challenges to sustainability faced by in-person models of small group facilitation.

The objective of this study was to describe the experiences and perceptions of students regarding the use of remote facilitation for small group learning in a health education setting.

This qualitative study involved three focus groups (n = 16) composed of students in the advanced neuromusculoskeletal teaching unit in the University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy. Focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed thematically.

Three main influences emerged related to the experiences of students regarding the use of remote facilitation for small group learning in a health education setting: technology (including audio and visual), facilitator (including quality of facilitation and facilitator expertise), and group dynamics (including ground rules, roles and responsibilities, and learning style). Each of these influences acted independently and interdependently to shape participants' perceptions.

This study prompts a widening of the concept of distance learning to also include distance teaching, which may have wide applicability to health profession programs.