I developed Wayne State University's first Internet-only class, Principles of Physiology , and have built it into a model not just for the University but for the entire discipline of physiology. The class includes a 600 page, interactive Web site , streaming video lectures , extensive rich content in the form of simulations and animations, and a threaded discussion group. All students take the same exams. All class materials are on the Web and are enhanced with rich content, much of it developed by the Harvey Project . Email, an online discussion group and group projects give all students an opportunity to interact with me and each other.
Students can also interact with guest experts through the discussion group.
The lecture students, of course, have access to all the Internet-based material as well. This is a happy solution that pleases almost everyone. All these materials enrich the lecture section as well. In addition, many of the students choose to create Web projects for the course. I have spoken on e-learning at 16 national education and scientific conferences in the past two years.