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One consequence of the expansion in online learning opportunities for K-12 students has been recent attempts to develop standards guiding both teaching and online course design. The information found in these guidelines/standards provides a framework that can guide the development of effective instructional strategies for online teaching and learning. Links to these (required readings) are located in the resources section. See how the Monterey Institute for Technology and Education (MITE) is evaluating online courses with their Online Course Evaluation Project (OCEP) Another framework that may prove useful is one developed by Chickering and Gamson for improving instruction in higher education. This framework has been further developed to include online education. Many of these principles are already well accepted best practices in traditional K-12 education, but their application and appropriateness to K-12 online education may not be as well known. Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (Chickering & Gamson, 1991). The principles themselves are listed below with links to resources following.
Key Competencies for Online Teaching and Learning "We know online learning is effective, The diagram below illustrates the key competencies online teachers must possess regardless of the grade level or content area in which they teach. The material presented here will allow you to explore new information, or review what you already know regarding each component of this diagram.
Above all, as an online teacher, you are an educator. This means that you have the ability to facilitate learning through the use of a variety of instructional strategies based on traditional or current models and theories of education. Theories of instruction inform the specific instructional strategies (or models) that a teacher might choose to implement. For example, cooperative learning, role playing, and instruction based on personality or learning styles have been informed by social theories of learning (community building). Direct instruction and mastery learning have been informed by behavioral theories of instruction. We don't have time to get into a comprehensive discussion on learning theories, but I think it is important to recognize and review the foundation of effective teaching and learning. The following articles are particularly relevant to this discussion:
If we accept current models of effective instruction, for both traditional and online instruction, that are performance-based (as opposed to information-based), you must also possess the skills and abilities necessary for project management. Models underlying these types of instructional strategies are primarily based on constructivist theories of teaching and learning. Constructivism, which theorizes that learners actively construct new knowledge based upon their prior experiences and understandings, is also at the core of effective e-learning. Critical skills might include modeling, coaching, scaffolding, and facilitation. Examples of these models in action include Project Based Learning and Differentiated Instruction. Review the material listed below for more information:
Although the amount of time devoted to instructional design will be dependent upon many factors (i.e. grade level, content area, school or program model), the ability to design instruction is a valuable and necessary skill regardless of whether you teach in a face-to-face or virtual environment. Instructional design includes not only knowledge and skill in the development of the physical design of the classroom and curriculum, but also the ability to recognize when and how specific strategies and/or content are appropriate and effective. Read the resources below for an overview (or review) of instructional design processes.
And finally, you must possess an additional competency - e-Learning expert - if you expect to be effective as an online educator. This competency actually involves a wide array of variables - knowledge of the tools involved in online environments, creativity in the development of instructional strategies, and exceptional communication skills - just to name a few. You likely spend the majority of your time "managing" your courses and students through a Learning Management System. Expanding your repertoire of eLearning instructional strategies is a major goal of this course. Although aimed at adult education, what is particularly noteworthy in this article is the information regarding traditional teaching methods and their application (or non-application) in the online environment. Additional resources are located below:
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What Does Good Instruction Look Like? 
