There is really one good reason to use technology in sociology courses: it helps you accomplish your learning goals better than other practices. Although I am interested in the psychological and sociological processes by which technology-mediated learning occurs, I am a pragmatist with regard to what I do in the classroom. I have adopted various technology-based practices because they worked better than the alternatives.
In this essay, I will try to describe some of the features of a well-designed course web site that facilitate student learning. I have been experimenting with Internet and web-based teaching since 1995. In the years since, I have accumulated much experience with technology-mediated instruction, and will illustrate my key points with examples from my course sites and my teaching experiences, both good and bad.
