I've taught humanities online for quite awhile. A couple of years ago, I began searching for a single resource that, not only included the basics, but provided an additional (or possibly affirming) perspective on the use of online tools and strategies.

Having, previously, purchased a number of books on distance education and online learning, I eventually decided to give Ko and Rossen a go and was pleasantly surprised. The book certainly covers the basics and I believe, for anyone just beginning in online, it may prove quite useful in, not only design, strategy, and structure, but in anticipating and resolving some of the problems and issues that may tend to arise in an online environment.

I continue to use it, from time to time, as a checklist in development and as a refresher or when I find a course is becoming somewhat repetitive or mechanical. I can easily see how Ko and Rossen may be adopted as a text for instruction or use in faculty development for online. Additionally, I've referred it to a number of colleagues who are inexperienced in developing for, or in converting existing materials to, online.

I think, even if one is teaching a prepackaged course, this book has many things to offer including strategies for dealing with troublesome students and working with asynchronous discussions. A great little book and well worth the cost.

If you need a text to support faculty workshops for online education, then this is a very good choice. It walks beginners through the landmines of online education very nicely. The suggestions coincide with my own personal experiences, so the "practical" part of the title certainly is accurate. I like the web links - hopefully those links can stay reasonably current, perhaps through a student/instructor web site for the book?

I give the book only four stars rather than five because it lacks some of the academic depth that I need for my online program in instructional technology. I need to introduce students to the field of study in an academic as well as a practical way, and this book focuses strictly on the practical side rather than the academic side. That is certainly a great approach, but it doesn't quite fulfill my needs for an instructional technology class, and so I have had to supplement it with outside readings/articles.

This little book is great. Other great little books that I pondered before choosing this one included "Essential Elements: Prepare, Design, and Teach Your Online Course," and "The Virtual Student: A Profile and Guide to Working with Online Learners.