Find a tech expert Just as car lovers appreciate a reliable mechanic, Web-based professors say it's essential to have a technology expert to turn to when hardware and software problems arise, a virus strikes, or the server is down. You must have a connection with someone whom you have confidence can answer your questions quickly. When he began teaching on the Web two years ago, Weaver quickly established a relationship with the chair of his university's department of instructional design and technology, who answers his questions quickly and offers onsite support. Another faculty member in that department helps Weaver with more conceptual problems, such as how he can make material more accessible, improve students' interest, and better integrate text and graphics. Miami Dade's Hartman, who uses WebCT software for her course, regularly uses the company's 800 tech-assistance hotline when she needs support.
Librarians are another potential support system.
Lighten your load Planning and teaching a Web-based class demands an enormous time commitment, say faculty. That may mean that it's not the semester to pick up another committee or activity. For an online class, I probably spend triple the time I spent per week when I taught in a conventional classroom. Weaver at Emporia State admits he was initially surprised and overwhelmed by the workload. He suggests faculty carve time into their schedule a full semester before the Web-based course to find and explore Web sites that can be resources for the course, learn the technology and craft assignments and course material.