What follows is an e-mail I send to my class at the first of the semester to explain my expectations for students in an online class. Please adopt if you find it useful.

          TO:   [All students in class]
          SUBJECT:   Expectations

I have found over the years of teaching online that students sometimes fail to understand what is expected of them. There have even been a few instances where students took an online class because they felt it would be easier than a classroom section. This is not a correspondence or self-study class. Your regular and active participation is required. This page outlines the expectations I have set for all students in this class. After reading them, you should read the statement at the bottom of the page. Its purpose is to let me know that you have read and understand them. After reading the statement, you should copy and paste it into an e-mail inside WebCT and send it to me.

1. This is a college level accounting class. You will cover the same materials and take tests that are similar to those in a classroom session. Accordingly, I expect the best from each of you.
2. You are expected to log on at least three times every week. You will receive an attendance grade for doing so.
3. You are expected to print the calendar and adhere to due dates wherever possible.
4. You are expected to complete quizzes and tests according to schedule.
5. You are expected to participate fully in any discussions.
6. You are expected to post something to the progress checks thread every week just to let me know how you are doing. I would like to know what is working and what is not. I would also like to know if there is a particular concept that you are struggling with.
7. You are expected to contact the instructor any time you encounter any problem or difficulty.
8. You are not expected to spin your wheels when you encounter something that you don't understand.
9. You are expected to respond to any posts from the instructor that are obviously intended for the entire class.
10. You are expected to have fun while working your way through this course.
11. Now that all of the expectations have been spelled out, it is equally important that you know that I understand that there may be circumstances that intervene in your ability to comply fully. If this is your case, all you need do is send me an e-mail and we will work it out
12. If you forget about any of these points (and who doesn't forget occasionally) I will send you an e-mail. Nothing causes me more concern than when a student doesn't log in for a week and doesn't let me know. The vast majority of the time, it is for a very good reason.

Student Confirmation:

I have read and understand the expectations for this class. It is my intention to comply as fully as possible, and I agree to contact you as soon as I experience any difficulties in this class.