Analysis of essential skills and knowledge for teaching online

This study identifies and posits guidelines for assessing the skills and knowledge of online distance educators. Findings derived from Cooper’s (1998) synthesis research method reveal sixteen skills that may be grouped into six areas that are thought to be essential for educators to teach successfully online. The study also shows that factors, like discipline, delivery mode, learning outcome, and instructional strategy, may affect the application of those skills, Moreover, the findings suggest that educators can greatly benefit from training, support, and faculty development to make the transition from teaching in a face-to-face setting to an online setting, even though most skills are thought to be similar and applicable across settings. The findings also indicate that further studies are needed to establish the validity and reliability of self-assessment instruments and to connect theory and practice.