Abstract:

With fewer faculty and students physically on campus at any one time, the utility of regular office hours has become problematic in many units. While one may regret the deleterious effects of such absences on the collegial and intellectual life of a campus, online office hours present an appealing opportunity not only to (partially) address the increasing gaps in faculty–student contact, but also in some instances to enhance the experience for faculty and student alike. As a relatively recent newcomer to the use of virtual office hours in a large second year law course that is taught in-class as well as broadcast online and on television, I am generally enthusiastic about my experience, but it is obvious that certain challenges present themselves. Some of the issues that will be addressed include the effective use of online time, the types of questions and problems that can be successfully addressed using this technology, comparisons to alternative modes of contact, institutional support, and technological factors and concerns. The goal is, in particular, to raise and discuss ideas as to how to make virtual office hours more accessible, effective and attractive to both students and faculty members and, in general, to further the dialogue among the users (both current and potential) and the administrators so that through sharing experiences and ideas the use of such devices can enhance the overall student experience.

Keywords:

online office hours, innovation, experience, technology, distance learning.