How to be an Online Tutor

The Internet has brought about a revolution for the learner and a sea-change in the way that learning is delivered and supported, and the consequent skills and techniques needed by the tutor, trainer, lecturer or teacher. This book assumes little in the way of technical expertise - just some basic experience of the World Wide Web and email, but no more. It isn't intended as a technical primer, but rather as a guide to translating what educators already do, in terms of training and facilitating learning, into an online environment, within the conversion of existing courses or in the creation of new ones. In the process, the book explores the nature, benefits and pitfalls of online learning and the technical skills of sourcing materials, planning, designing and testing courses. Despite, or perhaps because of the use of technology, the online tutor has a very important human role in engaging, reassuring, welcoming and supporting the course members. The book focuses on how to provide a climate in which people can take responsibility for their own learning; how to guide learners through the course so that they complete it successfully; and how to be a facilitator for learning, leaving the technology and other learners to deliver the content.