Collaborations among students in class projects have resulted in areas devoted to specific infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Online interactions with individuals at a distance increases student perspective and promotes a 'global view'. Guest presentations by faculty from distant institutions enrich the virtual classroom experience. Danford uses the NC to supplement discussions begun in the classroom. The NC is organized by topic and reply, with participants able to read and reply to all topics.
All replies are readable by all participants, facilitating discussion among class members.
Discussion of ethical, moral, and societal issues of microbiological problems leads students to explore such issues to a greater extent than possible during class. Topics such emerging viral diseases, HIV testing, applications of gene therapy, and recombinant DNA technologies enhance the classroom experience, class participation, and can lead to group consensus.