Considerations for online course delivery from educators' perspective

With the rapid development of information technology, and market demands, distance education is becoming increasingly popular for both students and educators because of its flexibility and convenience. The Internet plays a key role for delivering online courses. Operation of online courses involves many players such as administrators, software facilitators, students and instructors. However, what should an academic educator consider when offering an online course? In what forms can the communication between instructors and students most effectively take place? What kinds of assessment are better suited for online course? Based on the authors’ experiences with online course delivery, this paper explores key issues regarding the above questions from an educator’s point of view. It briefly points out the characteristics of online education. Considerations for online course delivery are particularly discussed. It describes what an educator should consider during the four stages known as planning, designing, developing and delivery for an online course. Suggestions are provided as to considerations for online course delivery.