More institutions are participating in distance education every day. As this happens, many “traditional” classroom instructors are thrust into the use of technology for the delivery of instruction without receiving appropriate training. With appropriate training, classroom instructors can be more effective the distance education setting.

Many traditional classroom instructors are not aware of the need to adapt their materials and methods for distance education. Techniques that have worked well in classroom instruction may not work as well in distance education. The challenge, then, is to adapt materials and develop techniques and methods that will work well in this new environment. These techniques and methods, whether for questioning, interaction, or discussion will make the experience more effective, both for the instructor and to the learners.

It is important that instructors examine their current methods and ways in which they will adapt these methods when using technology. The instructor must say, “How can I achieve the same result using the distance education technology as I did in my regular classroom?” One example of this is the introductions that many instructors ask learners to do on the first day of class in the traditional setting. In the distance education environment, constraints may prevent this. In response, many distance education instructors have developed "bio sheets" that students fill out. These bio sheets are made into bio booklets that help the instructor and students become better acquainted without using "air time." Other instructors who are already participating in distance education can be a wealth of information in this area. These experienced instructors have already learned some valuable lessons about achieving success in the distance education classroom and will be motivated to share their knowledge about successes, failures and lessons learned.

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