Here are some reasons why MSU faculty teach online.

Administrative

• online testing and automated grading
• easy updating of content and archiving of course materials
• the ability to use online course administration tools
• access is controllable (password protection, date and time access)
• online course administration tools
• more efficient use of brick-and-mortar classrooms by supplementing "seat time" with technology tools
• more efficient service to students

Access

• facilitating the teaching of large enrollment courses
• easy delivery of course materials to users
• the ability to expand student learning opportunities
• use technology to engage a global audience
• factors of convenience and accessibility for students in different time zones, geographic locations, and with physical limitations
• allows non-traditional students who are employed full-time to go to class
• multi-platform capabilities (Windows, Mac, UNIX, PDA, wireless devices)

Innovation

• technology to enhance learning. (online tools such as simulations, graphing calculators, metric converters, virtual labs, search, etc.)
• reuse materials for multiple courses and semesters
• share and collaborate with colleagues
• media such as video, sound, graphics, animation and text are structured in such a way that the audience has control over their presentation
• the ability to create more engaging learning opportunities and present materials in different ways

Instructional Benefits

• facilitates focus on student learning after course has been developed
• the ability to prepare students for the increasing digital world environment
• present materials in different ways to address more learning styles
• opportunities for group or individual work through asynchronous and synchronous communication tools
• ability to pretest and assign remedial work
• learning can be entertaining and interactive rather than passive
• sound, music, visuals, movement and talking encourages the user to participate in the learning process
• multisensory input provides more opportunities for engagement, interest, motivation, and retention