Lecture is one of the most common methods instructors use to convey content to their students. In the online environment, lectures can be provided through a variety of formats ranging from simple text to multimedia presentations.

Instructors usually create text files using a word-processing program. Often, the program provides a way to save the text files in a Web page (HTML) format that can be loaded directly to a course site. If your institution provides a course management system (such as Blackboard, eCollege, First Class, WebCT), the text files can be copied and pasted or uploaded as text or HTML into an appropriate area of your course site. Keep in mind that you and your students need the same software applications to exchange and read digital files saved in the native file format. For example, MS Word software is needed to open an MS Word document. It is important to note that saving word-processed files in text format (.txt) or in rich text format (.rtf) will allow them to be opened with any word-processing software.

Consider the following when converting your traditional classroom lecture for online usage:

• Avoid making the style too formal.
• Use a structure that provides for an overall view.
• Use short paragraphs with adequate spacing.