Each of the four delivery modes had its advantages and disadvantages but the asynchronous bulletin board mode has proven most effective from the instructor's and the students' perspectives. The initial online offerings delivered the course content online. The initial course offerings were provided at no charge, but the bulletin board offerings required students pay a nominal fee. The fee seems to have had a positive effect on student self-selection.
Access is a common concern with online courses.
Of the delivery modes used by the course, the bulletin board mode seemed to allow the greatest access. One student used the computer facilities of her local library to complete the course. A pilot study of students in the class has resulted in preliminary data that provides insight into the course experience from the students' perspective. Guidelines for Developing A Community-Based Online Course. Community-based courses offer a great opportunity for students and instructors to test the concepts they hold about online learning while at the same time providing a service to community learners.