Needs, Concerns and Practices of Online Instructors

Needs, Concerns and Practices of Online Instructors (via Ray):
Quote: “While the delivery of on-line instructional courses in higher education institutions is flourishing, it is the faculty who play the key role in its successful implementation… Limited research has shown that a number of circumstances influence whether or not faculty choose to teach via on-line. Since faculty are pivotal to the success of online instruction, this study explored their backgrounds, concerns, and their on-line teaching practices. The information that is provided will update decision-makers of the current needs and concerns of on-line instructors so an effective distance-learning program can be fostered.”
Comment: Basic article, detailing hours spent online and instructor reasons for going online. I personally think the number one attribute to succeed online as a teacher is an attitude of experimentation. Formulas don’t work. Steps 1 - 10 don’t work. “I did it this way….so you should too” doesn’t work. Experience, derived from experimentation and mistakes, works. Each situation is unique (both in design and delivery)…and the beginning of any online effort should be an understanding that the experience may be unlike any other before…but a willingness to communicate, experiment, and think critically can overcome most challlenges.