Article
BE VOCAL: Characteristics of successful online instructors. Journal of Interactive Online Learning
Journal of Interactive Online Learning
(2005)
Abstract
While classroom teaching and management strategies are well documented, the online learning environment presents different challenges and benefits. Teaching in an online environment requires a special set of teaching skills since many of the strategies and tactics associated with best teaching practices are somewhat constrained by the primarily text-based environment. The VOCAL approach summarizes the key characteristics that a master instructor utilizes to be effective in an online environment. VOCAL is an acronym for Visible, Organized, Compassionate, Analytical and Leader-by-example. The ability of the teacher to effectively infuse these characteristics into their instructional practice – to BE VOCAL - will promote a supportive, challenging, constructive, rigorous and effective instructional environment. Instructors who practice a VOCAL approach will have more productive learning environments, fewer management problems and more positive learning experiences with their students.
Keywords
- online teaching
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall September 1, 2005
Publisher Statement
The Journal of Interactive Online Learning is published by a joint effort of The University of Alabama, the University of Texas at Tyler, and Miami University, as well as faculty from other institutions.
The Journal of Interactive Online Learning is a scholarly, peer-reviewed online journal which offers free access to its readers. Copyright is maintained by JIOL.
Citation Information
John R Savery. "BE VOCAL: Characteristics of successful online instructors. Journal of Interactive Online Learning" Journal of Interactive Online Learning Vol. 4 Iss. 2 (2005) ISSN: 1541-4914 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_savery/5/
Creative Commons license
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY-NC International License.