Week Two: Describe the qualities of a successful online teacher

Before I discuss the qualities of a successful online teacher, I want to discuss the skills needed. An online teacher must have some basic technical skills, such as file management skills, email and attachment skills, Internet browsing and searching tools, and word processing skills. However, it seems that technology skills are not as important as educator pedagogical skills. Technical support is available everywhere today, schools and universities included. It is more important that a teacher understand educational strategies than technology when teachng online.

One of the most important qualities needed is flexibility, being willing to help students 24 hours a day. Many students are enrolled in a class because of a need for flexibility and they will be signing on at all hours of the day. In addition, a student may be taking the class because of a need for the flexibility of "online" due to family obligations. An instructor should set deadlines, but be willing to allow a good student flexibility when family must come first.

The teacher must have the drive to disseminate information in a timely manner. Online students are still looking for structure and to see the total picture. The online teacher must be willing to update him or herself, as technology changes rapidly and therefore, so does the online teaching.

The online teacher must have the ability to respect all learners. Adults, in particular, have a need to understand relevance for the subject matter. Adult learners have had many life experiences and sometimes already have a goal. The online teacher must respect that the adult wants to learn around subject matter that can better his or her position in life.

An important quality is creativity. The teacher must have the ability to create challenging assignments that will interest the learner and keep the learner motivated. The assignment must also foster discussion with the peers online.

The teacher must be kind and optomistic, praising the learner for good work and reinforcing the positive behavior that the learner has demonstrated.

The teacher must be able to listen to faculty and administrative concerns as well as copyright issues. http://www.westga.edu/~distance/rockwell24.html