This issue of New Directions for Teaching and Learning presents the theory and practice of creating effective courses in the emerging field of online teaching. Drawing from their practical experience in faculty development, instructional design, and online instruction, the authors present an overview of the pedagogical and logistical issues associated with this rapidly expanding area of distance education. They explore the transition for both teacher and student from traditional professor-centered methods of education to the student-centered learning experience necessary in the online environment. They offer practical guidelines on structuring the online course, utilizing resources from the World Wide Web, and using other electronic tools and technology to enhance classroom efficiency. Chapters also address challenges unique to the online classroom community including successful communication strategies, performance evaluation, academic integrity, and accessibility for disabled students. With insightful information on what it takes to produce substantive learning among students in the online classroom, this issue is designed to familiarize educators with the tools and techniques they will need to realize the potential of this new approach to teaching and learning.

This is the 84th issue of the Jossey-Bass series New Directions for Teaching and Learning.