If I were selecting a topic to research for distance education, it would be how to prepare teachers to be good online instructors. Based on my experience with this class, the instructor needs to know their content, various means of communication (email, blogs, wikis, podcasts), how to create relevant assignments using technology, how to guide students into learning the new technology, and how to assess student learning and how often to give assessments.  The instructor needs to be available so students can correspond as needed.  The instructor needs to know where to find applicable articles and resources, and they need to keep things current.  There needs to be a flow of thoughts from students to show their comprehension.  There needs to be a good communication network in place for students to correspond with each other.

With secondary teachers, learning tends to be in the form of professional development or conferences.  At the post-secondary level, I think that professors tend to teach themselves or collaborate with colleagues to make this work. Whatever the means of learning, I believe that it is important to know how to be effective.