This post is provided by guest blogger, Randy Canale, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program

With the explosion in popularity of online learning, more institutions and learners are taking advantage of the convenience and other benefits of this type of training. However, are instructors satisfied in this environment? In a recent article, Dr. Dietrich discusses the Online Instructor Satisfaction Model (OISM), the five factors this model uses to determine instructor satisfaction and suggests five ways to increase instructor satisfaction. In conclusion, the author points out that a satisfied instructor is more motivated and effective in delivery and this results in a more satisfied student. Online instructors should be proactive and use this model to increase their satisfaction with online teaching.

I recommend this article for anyone who conducts online training sessions. The OISM factors provide typical considerations that impact instructor satisfaction. I could sum them up as interaction, support and ownership. Dr. Dietrich (2015) makes it clear that these all impact instructor satisfaction. The suggested ways to increase instructor satisfaction are briefly described and would be a good source of self-help for anyone interested in improving the effectiveness of their delivery and their contentment level with teaching online. These suggestions enable a motivated online educator to increase and maintain their online teaching satisfaction level.

Reference

Dietrich, D. (2015, February). Why instructor satisfaction cannot be ignored. eLearn Magazine, 2015(2). Retrieved from http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=2735931&emailsent=1&CFID=360029838&CFTOKEN=79618721