Many online instructors encourage students to complete an online self-analysis to determine if they will be good online students.  However, in actuality, instructors should each complete a self-analysis to see if they are prepared to be an effective online instructor.  Instructors have different teaching styles, strengths and weaknesses.  Instructors should ask themselves some basic questions such as:

·        Do I have the necessary technology I need?

·        Am I comfortable with using technology?

·        Have I taken an online course?

·        Am I organized and detail oriented?

·        Do I have good time management skills?

·        Am I good at communicating in writing?

·        Am I good at multitasking?

·        Do I have the time to put into online teaching?

Not every instructor is cut out to be an online instructor.  If instructors do not feel comfortable with the technology, they should take time to be trained or teach themselves the appropriate technology.  Technology may include a Learning Management System (LMS); synchronous or asynchronous learning technologies; an email system; or other technologies to support the online teaching environment.

However, it is also important to note that instructors cannot know all of the technologies available to teach online.  They must be able to choose appropriate technologies and evaluate them for their own specific course and situation.  Online instructors should use what works for them, their students and their content.