Distance education teams include administrators, instructional
designers, technologists, and instructors/facilitators (Miller, 2001; Williams,
2003). The functions of instructors and facilitators then include being a
“facilitator, teacher, organizer, grader, mentor, role model, counselor,
coach, supervisor, problem solver, and liaison” (Riffee, 2003, p. 1;
see also Roberson, 2002; Scagnoli, 2001).
The role of faculty members in distance education requires “some specialized
skills and strategies. Distance education instructors must plan ahead, be
highly organized, and communicate with learners in new ways. They need to
be accessible to students [and] work in teams when appropriate” (PSU,
1998, p. 4). Distance faculty members must be experts in maintaining communication,
because there is increased demand for student interaction in distance learning
(NEA, 2000). Finally, they may have to assume more administrative responsibilities
than is true in a residential model (PSU, 1998).
List of important aspects for students of online courses
Important characteristics necessary to successful online learning.
