In the past decade, a combination of faster internet speeds, better technology, and decreasing costs of producing digital videos have led to a drastic change in how colleges and universities communicate with students and the public. Where once a lecture could only be heard by those who were physically present (with the exception of a few scratchy tape-recorded cassettes), lectures and all varieties of classroom instruction now can live online, where anyone wishing to enrich and expand knowledge can log in and enjoy world-class instruction from anywhere.

Those working in the arena of instructional technology and design — that is, the people working behind the scenes to bring the classroom to countless screens around the world — know that behind the seamless displays and ease of access lie a whole host of complex problems.

The challenges aren’t just technical. Some of the biggest headaches, which this eBook explores, involve negotiating a limited budget with the demands of compliance and accessibility.