1. Lessons Learned Online Julia E. Benson Assistant Professor of Computer Science Georgia Perimeter College

2. #10 Expect greater-than-normal attrition in an online class. –Unrealistic expectations –>50% attrition is not uncommon

3. #9 The online student population is different from the on-campus student population. –Motivated –Mature –Focused –Still high-maintenance

4. #8 Top-quality materials are critical. –Textbooks –Ancilliaries –Corollary:Even top-quality materials will need supplements and enhancements.

5. #7 These materials will contain errors. –Some known, –Some not. –Corollary:Your students will be happy to point out those errors.

6. #6 Personal contact is the most important key to success. –Asynchronous email bulletin boards –Synchronous chat/IM telephone

7. #5 Online courses do not take less time than on-campus courses. –Not for students –Not for faculty

8. #4 Have a backup plan…or two…or three. –Backup all materials –Locate and use an alternate server

9. #3 Everything will take longer than you think. –Release time matters more than money –Learn the point of diminishing returns

10. #2 Don’t expect to get it perfect the first time, –or the second time, or ever –Expect to constantly revise everything

11. and finally…… #1 A sense of humor is absolutely mandatory. –Mistakes will happen –Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself!

12. Questions? Comments?

13. Contact Information Department of Business/Computer Science/ Georgia Perimeter College 2101 Womack Road, Dunwoody GA 30338 (770) 551-3140 jbenson@gpc.peachnet.edu http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~jbenson/ http://oiit.peachnet.edu/