Tutor training: a systematic investigation of tutor requirements and an evaluation of a training

Abstract

In this article we describe a systematic training for flight instructors who are about to be engaged as a tutor in a distance learning course on the Internet. The Lilienthal project develops a Distance Learning Platform, which consists of course material for the Private Pilot Licence.First we established the requirements that flight instructors need to become distance tutors. Requirements are for example (electronic) communication skills and information storage and retrieval skills. Then the requirements were linked to specific training methods. In a two‐day training seminar these requirements were trained. The description and the evaluation results of the seminar are described in this article. Conclusions that can be drawn from this seminar are that it is worthwhile to set up training for distance tutors. Both knowledge and motivation of the teachers increases, and more important: confidence in teaching via the Internet. But besides the many benefits, also some difficulties have to be overcome.