Increasing numbers of language learners are opting to take online language courses; increasing numbers of teachers are teaching online. For many, teaching online is a leap into the unknown. The concept of online teaching is broad, ranging from the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) for course delivery to desktop video conferencing with Skype, not to mention teaching in a virtual world. These are pioneering days. How does one become a successful online teacher? First, you must participate in an online course yourself. This will enable you to experience the various tools available for teacher and students: synchronous tools, such as instant messaging, and asynchronous tools, such as bulletin boards. You need a certain amount of technical know-how to explain to your students what to do if there are minor glitches. Online teaching usually involves practical expertise in the VLE itself, be it Blackboard, Moodle, or another online platform. There are a number of books around to help you, such as Salmon's (2004),E-tivities, which guides readers through the ‘Five steps of online teaching'. Other books, such as Clarke's (2008)e-Learning Skills, emanate from the wider world of training and education rather than the world of ELT. What is missing is a handbook for ELT teachers: how and what do you teach when you get online with your L1 student?
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Parveen Sharma (2011) studied this question.