Keys to Create Quality Distance Learning Programs for the 21st Century

• Know the delivery technologies and what each can contribute to your course.
• Train the instructors to use the technology and teach/train with it.
• Modify courses for the technology. They cannot be transported.
• Create a high level of visualization. Television and the WWW are visual media. Don’t create radio programs unless you intend to.
• Involve students in their own learning. Interactivity has been proven to improve learning.
• Correlate handouts with synchronous presentations.
• Manage students that are physically separated from you in order to minimize housekeeping clarifications.
• Motivate students by explaining why they should learn the skill/ information; how it will be of benefit to them; and how they can use it in their future personal and student lives and careers.
• Use an instructional model as a guide to plan and organize the instruction.
  Know the domains (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor) and types of cognitive outcomes (recall, comprehension, application, and critical thinking). that you want the students to master.
• Plan and organize specifically for the technology used in your distance education program.
• Teach/train with enthusiasm and create excitement in the teleclassroom.
• Open and close a telelesson with impact. The first 10 minutes and last 5 minutes are most important.
• Vary your presentation technique and stimulus every 10-15 minutes.
• Minimize your key points to 3-4 for a 50-minute class and 5-6 for a 75-minute class.
• Provide lots of positive feedback. Encourage participation.
• Make your teleclasses fun to be in.
• Like yourself as a teleclass instructor and project a positive attitude.
• Create a personal signature on television.
• Know and reflect on your metaphor of teaching/training.