The instructor in the online environment must possess a unique set of tools to perform effectively. Reflect on your teaching style to see where you might find room for improvement. Additional Reading University of Toronto. Best practices in web-based instruction . The Moderator's Homepage.
Experience is a good supplemental teacher and builds a level of understanding with the issues.
Online instructors should be active and experienced in real world applications of their subject matter and should have a solid grasp of the issues being taught. The personality of the instructor should demonstrate the characteristics of openness, concern, flexibility, and sincerity. An online instructor should be able to compensate for the lack of physical presence in the virtual classroom by creating a supportive environment where all students feel comfortable participating and especially where students know that their instructor is accessible. Failure to do this can alienate the class both from each other and from the instructor and would make a very weak learning environment. A successful online instructor should feel comfortable communicating in writing.