WHY, WHAT, WHO, HOW: BUILDING UP ONLINE COURSES A REPORT FROM A SOUTHERN ITALY UNIVERSITY

Abstract This work is based upon an online experimentation realized by the didactical area of sociology at the University of Salerno (Italy). It seeks to identify its points of strength and of weakness and to establish guide lines for further planning. In particular, it systematically describes and compares two courses which have used different approaches, methodologies and platforms and their results. To conclude the authors underline the importance of the study of the context, of giving an active and significant role to the students as well as to the teachers and of building up a dialogue between traditional and ITC-based tools. Introduction This work reflects on some aspects of the online experimentation conducted from 2001 to 2008 at the University of Salerno, in the three yearly studies course in Sociology. The success of the initiative amongst teachers and students determined the on setting from 2008 of the entire three yearly online course, alongside the more traditional teaching (http://www.lettereonline.unisa.it/Sociologia_online/index.php). Through the systematic comparison of two courses, suitably selected, we endeavour to identify both the weak and strong points within such an experience and to establish guide lines as to improve further courses, making them more consistent to the needs of the students. We also hope that our experience will be of interest to other teachers in different contexts.