Offering learning resources on the Web has the obvious advantage of any time, any place access. More importantly, the hypertext format allows the learner to choose the sequence of the inquiry and to navigate through the material in the most personally meaningful path. Links to relevant information can occur at points of contact, rather than at the end of a linear textual presentation, thereby facilitating integration among concepts and to other insights about the topic. The instructor can provide a fuller package of information, including elements to support a variety of learning styles and links to outside resources and experts frequently not available in a classroom setting. Adjustments can be made to the course delivery to address the needs of a particular class at a particular time.
Online courses provide no visual cues to the instructor.
Housekeeping and logistical questions and answers often occur as students enter the traditional classroom and settle down for class. Online students need the same kind of information. Instructors should provide this type of information consistently and frequently throughout the online course. If you are considering teaching an online course, you may wish to keep a journal of questions that come on the first day of the semester, and also get asked the first five minutes of subsequent class sessions. These questions need to be a part of your online course.