Lessons Learned Online

Julia E. Benson

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Georgia Perimeter College

#10

• Expect greater-than-normal attrition in an online class.– Unrealistic expectations– >50% attrition is not uncommon

#9

• The online student population is different from the on-campus student population.– Motivated– Mature– Focused– Still high-maintenance

#8

• Top-quality materials are critical.– Textbooks– Ancilliaries

– Corollary: Even top-quality materials will need supplements and enhancements.

#7

• These materials will contain errors.– Some known,– Some not.

– Corollary: Your students will be happy to point out those errors.

#6

• Personal contact is the most important key to success.– Asynchronous

• email

• bulletin boards

– Synchronous• chat/IM

• telephone

#5

• Online courses do not take less time than on-campus courses.– Not for students– Not for faculty

#4

• Have a backup plan…or two…or three.– Backup all materials– Locate and use an alternate server

#3

• Everything will take longer than you think.– Release time matters more than money– Learn the point of diminishing returns

#2

• Don’t expect to get it perfect the first time,– or the second time, or ever– Expect to constantly revise everything

and finally…… #1

• A sense of humor is absolutely mandatory.– Mistakes will happen– Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself!

Questions? Comments?

Contact Information

• Department of Business/Computer Science/Georgia Perimeter College2101 Womack Road, Dunwoody GA 30338

• (770) 551-3140

• jbenson@gpc.peachnet.edu

• http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~jbenson/

• http://oiit.peachnet.edu/