Online facilitators are required to be active and experienced in real world applications of their subject matter and to have a solid grasp of the issues being taught. Current knowledge of practices within the subject matter being taught is expected to be a key part in providing a usable education. The personality of the facilitator should demonstrate the characteristics of openness, concern, flexibility, and sincerity. An online instructor must 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.
Online students are as busy, or busier than anyone else in today's hurried world is.
The students are the customers and are expecting to be treated as such. Being sensitive, open and flexible is not an option, it is a requirement. A successful online facilitator should feel comfortable communicating in writing. The ability to verbally communicate is replaced with a keyboard. The communication is intense and demanding.