Developing and Sustaining Online Education

TL;DR: The infrastructure support that is vital to the foundation of a durable online program is discussed, which includes faculty training and mentoring, a campus network, secure access, data storage, fast and efficient IT support, and the appropriate type of technology for teaching.

Abstract: The rush to transition education from the traditional face-to-face to an online or hybrid environment increases each year. Universities realize online education is crucial to the future survival and expansion of their educational programs. Herein we discuss the infrastructure support that is vital to the foundation of a durable online program. The essentials include faculty training and mentoring, a campus network, secure access, data storage, fast and efficient IT support, and the appropriate type of technology for teaching. A crucial element is administrative support in the form of funding, guidance, oversight, and the removal of obstacles to the development of an online program. Faculty were surveyed to identify: a) perceptions of what elements are important to the development of a successful online program; b) which of those elements were in use at their institution; c) factors that enhance faculty participation in an online program, and the factors which impede their contribution. A Matrix is introduced that administrative decision- makers can use to develop an online teaching program or enhance an existing program.