http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#discussion http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12541
My favorite thing about online teaching is the wide variety of students that take the course. Students generally range in age from 18 to 55 and have a diverse array of backgrounds, motivations and perspectives. The discussions, in particular, highlight this breadth. I enjoy getting to know everyone and making a personal connection, even if done entirely via computer!]]> Karin Kirk 1277220000 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12541 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12543 Sheila Roberts 1277222160 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12543 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12545 Eliza Richardson 1277225220 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12545 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12548 Eleanour Snow 1277230200 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12548 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12551 Ann Holmes 1277232240 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12551 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12556
I think the diversity you see (in age especially) can depend upon where you teach online. I taught at a community college and saw all kinds of students. I'm prepping a class for a small university and I anticipate my students will more likely mirror the campus: more traditional students.]]> Kristin Riker-Coleman 1277266560 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12556 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12558
We have a large teaching load in the California State University system (4 course per semester without TA support) but I never experience "lecture burnout" at end of the semester and always come to my classes full of energy and ready to go!

I can serve a large group of students who can be "shut out" by the "normal" university schedule -- it is about accessibility to learning.

I know that we do not often bring up finances, but faculty can offer online classes in special sessions through continuing education or teach in another department (Global Studies), on a moments notice, which can add significantly to their annual salary. ]]> Donald Reed 1277268600 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12558 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12566 Mel Huff 1277311080 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12566 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12582 Kelly Dilliard 1277318520 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12582 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12607
I think one other reason I enjoy offering courses online is that it forces me to think very carefully about course design--what do I really want students to take away from a specific lesson, how can I best help them learn those concepts or skills, and how can I assess what they've learned. Students in face-to-face classes will ask if they don't understand something, but my online students tend to rely more on their readings and the instructions I've posted. I try to make sure that "everything works together" in an online class, so that questions in one area are addressed by something else they read or do. Putting together a course that works is definitely an iterative process, but one that really gives insights into how our students learn. ]]> Bill Hirt 1277349540 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online2010/discussions/my_favorite_thi.html#post12607