The rush to transition education from the traditional face-to-face to an
online or hybrid environment increases each year. Universities realize
online education is crucial to the future survival and expansion of
their educational programs. Herein we discuss the infrastructure support
that is vital to the foundation of a durable online program. The
essentials include faculty training and mentoring, a campus network,
secure access, data storage, fast and efficient IT support, and the
appropriate type of technology for teaching. A crucial element is
administrative support in the form of funding, guidance, oversight, and
the removal of obstacles to the development of an online program.
Faculty were surveyed to identify: a) perceptions of what elements are
important to the development of a successful online program; b) which of
those elements were in use at their institution; c) factors that enhance
faculty participation in an online program, and the factors which impede
their contribution. A Matrix is introduced that administrative decision-
makers can use to develop an online teaching program or enhance an
existing program.