Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the advantages of online versus face-to-face instruction.
2. Evaluate their preparedness for teaching in an online environment.
   

Overview

Many educators approach teaching in an online environment with a mixture of skepticism and excitement.  To some, the perceived complexity of tasks associated with developing and delivering an online course seem too time consuming and/or technically challenging to want to tackle.  However, many experienced online instructors are quick to remind their colleagues new to online teaching that discipline content and pedagogy still take center stage in an online course.  Essentially, you are teaching the same course online as you do face-to-face, but the teaching techniques and media modes you employ are different. 

In this section, we’ll take a look at both sides of the argument for and against online learning, we’ll look at some of the major differences between online and face-to-face courses, and look at qualities of a good online course.  At frequent points throughout the module, you’ll be directed to an external Internet link for examination of a specific topic or viewpoint.  A separate browser window will open so you may explore the suggested resource and then return to the module content when you close the browser window.

Next: Background Readings