LESSONS LEARNED IN THIRTEEN YEARS OF TEACHING ONLINE

Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech), which is the largest community college in North Carolina, began offering online introductory geology courses, including both lecture and lab, in 2002. At least three completely online sections are offered each semester, servicing approximately 125 to 150 students per semester. Through the years, in an effort to increase student success in online classes, Wake Tech’s geology classes have evolved with many great successes and many lessons learned. We have used various learning management systems, including both Moodle and Blackboard, and a variety of technology has been incorporated into the classes, including Softchalk, Camtasia, videoed lectures, and most recently the use of videos through iMovie, Doodlecast Pro, and YouTube. Successful discussion board ideas that have excited students will be shared. Tips on testing and homework delivery, how and what lab materials are supplied, as well as organization of content and student requirements for completing an online class successfully will be discussed. We will also introduce Wake Tech’s current Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) called EPIC (e-Learning preparedness initiative across the college). EPIC is structured to increase the success and retention of the large number of Wake Tech’s online students by ensuring that both students and faculty are prepared for the online learning environment. Over the thirteen years that Wake Tech has offered its introductory geology courses online, our instructors have collaborated to create effective online classes.