Online Course Delivery

Many educational institutions are jumping on the distance learning bandwagon to offer online courses. Some academic administrators may have little knowledge or understanding of what is needed to deliver effective online courses and quality distance education. This book examines the system needs of 28 Florida colleges regarding Web course delivery. The content includes literature and information in providing a historical perspective, views of technology in education, distance learning, computer system reliability and scalability, and institutional readiness for online course delivery. Topics include priorities for Web course development, faculty incentives and support, levels and involvement of faculty and technical support, institutional processes, procedures, and budgeting for Web course development and implementation, instructional design, and online student support. Also considered are incentives for faculty in helping to motivate and support them in developing and teaching online courses, in addition to fostering a positive campus climate for cultural acceptance and institutional readiness of Web courses in academic settings.