"Some major changes in the Utah State University system, most importantly the addition of a number of satellite campuses, have resulted in a new push for online classes. We will talk about how PHYS 3030 was developed specifically as an online class and the many different resources that exist on campus for such an endeavor. These resources include the audio/ visual equipment available at the FACT center, the development consultations available through RCDE and the FACT center and the specific capabilities of Canvas that are helpful for the online classroom.

We will walk through the class syllabus and point out aspects that are specifically motivated to challenge and inspire online students. This will include broad online resources that the students are encouraged to use. The challenges of teaching an online class and some specific speed bumps will be discussed, including getting students to read instructions, seek help from the instructor and navigate the course website. I will demonstrate the work of some students who have taken the class.

Many universities are putting more emphasis on teaching online. I will conclude by describing a number of high profile examples and show that, not only is teaching online a good idea, but something that is necessary to being a university level instructor in the digital age."