Technology-aided learning is predominantly self-driven or asynchronous. This gives the modern corporate learners flexibility to learn as per their schedules or emergent needs. But this does not entail that the role of the instructor in e-learning is diminished. Instructors have to impart knowledge – whether in a classroom or online scenario. However, learning delivery in a classroom and online learning have many differences that suggest additional training or at least, adequate preparation. One thing that is obvious is the role of the instructor in an online scenario is multi-layered. To deliver effective learning, instructors have to evaluate different roles and adopt the ones they deem best for the e-learning program. Here are a few common instructor roles for effective online learning delivery.

• The Role of a Tour-Guide: When visiting a new place, it is always nice to have a tour guide who shows you the sights and informs you of the necessary background. Similarly, when learners first venture in for an e-learning program, the online instructor plays the role of guiding the learners – especially if there are more than one online learning experiences. Many e-learning programs start with classroom sessions which can be utilized to give the learners the highlights of the impending learning program. Face-to-face sessions can direct the attention of learners toward key concepts and ideas. As a tour guide, the instructor can also help answer the learners’ queries on the curriculum and point them in the right direction, so that when the learners undertake the e-courses, they know exactly what to find and where to find it.
• The Role of a Facilitator: As online learning is a self-paced activity, learners can often feel lonely and alienated. To dispel the feeling of being alone, the online instructor can facilitate introductions, utilize discussion boards to start conversation and ask questions that pique the interest of the learners, and reference that answers gathered in future interactions with them. Live- chat sessions can be held, where instructors can give lectures pertaining to the topic of learning, share tips or even take feedback from the learners.
• The Role of a Learning Mentor: While accessing online learning, many learners often have doubts – which they often ignore because they do not have anyone to turn to. Instructors can be available as mentors whom the learners can talk to and clear doubts. There are various ways that learners can connect with mentors within the learning portal. They can send an e-mail – the link to which can be included in the e-course itself. Mentors on their part can make sure that they check all incoming queries at least once a day and reply within a suitable time to keep the information exchange relevant for the learners. Alternatively, live chat sessions can also be conducted after the learners go through an e-course where issues and doubts can be thrashed out. This also creates a ‘social’ aspect to the learning and helps learners connect with peers as well as the instructors. Even if a learner does not actively participate very much in the discussion, being a part of it gives him confidence and maybe the next time he will feel more driven to participate. Over time, mentors can help learners shine and learn better.
• The Role of an Administrator: One of the many benefits of online learning is that everything is documented and tracked. The instructor knows exactly when and how many times a learner logs into the course, the pages viewed, the discussions where a learner contributes, and much more. This data can be utilized by instructors to make adjustments and informed decisions to help learners utilize the learning opportunity to the fullest. If a learner does not log-in, the instructor can personally contact the learner and encourage him or her to complete the e-course.  Or if the learner is skipping the portions in the course with key instructions, the instructor can point that out to the learners or even help them understand the portions better.
• The Role of a Cheerleader: Learners of all ages and background need some encouragement for effective learning. Online learning can be tough, especially for learners who are not used to the online environment or find it difficult to learn alone. Instructors should try to communicate regular encouraging messages to individual learners and the learning group as a whole – at the beginning of the course, when learners reach important milestones or when they complete the online program. As instructors, they will often have to provide constructive feedback that can critique the learners’ performance. The instructors should find a way to promote positive messages alongside the critiques in order to maintain an overall positive morale among the learners.

The role of the instructor within e-learning is multifaceted and can be achieved through multiple ways and means. The process of interaction between instructors and learners is beneficial as it adds on to the learning impact. For the organization that is serious about e-learning, this leads to growth of knowledge and encourages the culture of learning.