Perspective

In recent years Internet/Web based online teaching/learning has grown substantially. Many institutions of higher learning are offering online classes in a variety of subjects. While it is acceptable that certain subjects are suitable for online teaching/learning some are very apprehensive about the possibility of teaching programming classes online and are sometimes questioning the validity, and the appropriateness of such classes. Some even argue that face-to-face interaction is necessary to teach programming classes. According to Cooper (1999), if a course is well designed and carefully implemented, online instruction can provide an effective educational environment and can be an enjoyable experience for both students and instructor, particularly if the students are motivated and self-disciplined and the instructor maintains continuous interaction with them. The author has been teaching various Information Technology (IT) related topics including programming classes online for the last five years in various institutions. This paper addresses the details of an introductory Visual Basic class delivered online