I am more of a facilitator and the learning process is more student centered. Being able to offer courses to the other 18 community colleges in the area. Faculty members who questioned the uses of on-line technology. Many felt as though they were going to be either replaced or that our student population was not ready for this new technology. The biggest surprise would have to be the students' overall performance.
Grades are coming up, there are more discussions going on and learning is more student centered.
They depend on each other rather than depend upon me. I tried to design courses with students in mind. For example, I choose not only interesting websites but also those that are pedagogically rigorous. In addition to asking student's to test drive the on-line environment and let me know what they think or what changes should be made etc. In the state of New Jersey we are a part of a Virtual University environment.