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Online learning has opened up the world of learning to people who, otherwise, may not have had learning and training opportunities. It is a great opportunity for online teachers and facilitators,too, but there are still challenges in teaching in the age of the Internet.

Here are some of the critical challenges of teaching online.

1) Written Communication skills are vital. Writing skill is important, since online learning is so dependent on what the learner will need to learn. Many online courses include audio and video, but writing is still a critical element in writing clearly and transmitting information accurately.

2) Teachers set a tone, even online.Messages or feedback to students must be delivered in the kind of tone that the instructor or facilitator desires. Being solely dependent on print communication without the benefit of in-person facial expressions and personal emphasis, the written word must be carefully crafted.

3) Deadlines are crucial! Online instructors and facilitators must adhere to submission deadlines for students. Equally important, online instructors and facilitators must post grades, student feedback, and assignments when scheduled because online students live and die by deadlines and so must the teachers and facilitators.

4) Personal attention should be given to each student.Online teachers and facilitators face the challenge of making their learning environment a productive and caring setting for all participants. It can be done and it can even exceed the face-to-face classroom, but it is a challenge to set-up and maintain that instructional environment that maximizes learning and the interpersonal experience.

Learning via the Internet can be an exciting, rewarding experience for teachers and learners, but these considerations must be addressed so that there can be a successful learning experience for all, despite the barriers of time and distance.

Learn more about this author, E.M.Robinson.
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