According to the Center for Distance Education at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, frequent communication between instructor and student is important for building a rapport. Distance learning students may not have the opportunity to meet with the instructor in person, and instructors should design their courses with this in mind. Instructors may use videoconferencing, online chat or teleconferencing. Instructors using a virtual course environment such as Blackboard may incorporate weekly videotaped announcements to keep students up to date on deadlines, expectations and tips for completing course work correctly. Regardless of the chosen communication method, instructors must devote more time to answering questions and offering feedback in a distance learning course than in a traditional course.
According to the division of Learning and Scholarly Technologies at the University of Washington, instructors who employ collaborative assignments may see an increase in student engagement and progression toward course objectives. Instructors can develop community within virtual learning environments by creating discussion boards, blogs and file exchanges for students. The instructor may divide the class into small groups and assign each group one discussion topic per week. Small groups may also share completed assignments through file exchange to receive peer feedback before submitting the assignment to the instructor. The instructor may ask students to participate in a comprehensive blog for all class members.
According to the Online Course Development Program at Las Positas College, distance learning instructors must be conscious of auditory and visual learning styles and adapt course materials accordingly. Instructors should provide written materials such as lecture notes and sample completed assignments along with recorded lectures and supplemental audio recordings. To meet the needs of both auditory and visual learners within the same medium, instructors may create a narrated slide presentation that incorporates textual notes, images and audio commentary. Ensuring that instructional materials are accessible to all learning styles will assist students in using their individual aptitudes to meet course objectives.
According to educator Harold F. O'Neil in the book "What Works in Distance Learning," distance learning instructors who provide several external resources may observe greater student interest in the course topic. Instructors may direct students to relevant websites, additional article and monograph sources, videos and community organizations. Posting web links and contact information for these resources within a virtual learning community will ensure that students can access them throughout the term. Instructors may also reference these resources in discussion board comments and lectures to encourage student engagement with relevant material beyond course requirements.