The trainer is a vital part of the success of the distance learning event and needs to think of delivering training as a collaborative way of supporting the needs of learners. All team members are important, especially the technical people who now become a life-support system that must be included in all planning. The instructor must learn to adapt to recommendations and new ideas by other team members. Rigidity is out. Sense of humor.
Good press is invaluable.
Willingness to learn about new technologies. Effective distance learning instructors find out how the equipment works, how the software can be used, and how the hardware and software support the learning experience. Willingness to create interaction. A talking head or long pages of text on a screen prompt the yawn reflex. Interaction is important and not only helps people learn, but it also can be used to apply the learning to the real world.