While the level of sophistication varies, standard to most Web courses are communication systems, such as email, real-time chat rooms, and threaded discussion groups that that let students interact with instructors and each other online. To demonstrate the kind of technologies used in online teaching, NEWS.COM examined the software package being used by institutions like the State University of New York , University of Kentucky , and Net Day 96 program . Questions are filtered through the professor and class time is limited. Because of the seating arrangement, students face front and are discouraged from interacting with each other. Online chat or threaded discussion These formats are not limited by time and encourage students to debate topics with each other, as well as the instructor.
Content can be general, designed for use by the entire class, or personalized for each student.
Message system Central to online learning is communication and collaboration. Web-based messaging systems connect students with each other, as well as their instructor. It is possible to have multiple discussion lists in any course. Depending on the professor, students might see moderated real-time chat or threaded discussions where they can read messages and upload file attachments that provide additional course resources. Each discussion topic is placed in its own folder.