Pro and Con for Putting a Syllabus Online

Pros: Reasons to Put a Syllabus Online

• easily accessible
• eliminate phone calls from students asking for information
• save cost of mailing to students
• convenient reference
• s's can't lose it
• I can point absentees to it.
• Bosses can read it instead of hard copy.
• Timely changes, ability to update easily
• Save time for students and me
• Introduction to the Internet and its capabilities
• Reference others to NOT just students
• extra-credit options
• credibility as modern teacher
• authenticity
• encourages students to go to Web
• not site or time specific
• format readily adopted to other courses
• provide more info for the student","Submit"
• Students can see it before registering for the class. 
• Changes can be made during the semester. 
• Saves paper
• colleagues can find out what your up to
• Promulgates course info to all Web capable computers.
• general info to all; won't have to make extra copies if students lose it
• its easy
• force students to try on-line access
• I can readily check the outline to check class progress
• better communication
• better reporting of work
• helpful to learning styles
• more familiarity with responsibility, accountability enhanced, consistency of outcomes
• continuous access throughout the semester
• access before the semester
• remind students of upcoming tests, assignment due dates
• Access to hotlinks
• updated announcements, correct errors, update schedule, add resources, change test dates/material covered

Cons: Reasons NOT to Put a Syllabus Online

• too public
• trouble vs. printed
• s's need computer access
• Blackboard vs. free form
• go through webmaster
• Other faculty could copy
• Student has to have access to a computer.
• Learning on our side.
• outdated info if not updated with class information
• links may be obsolete
• Lack of student access to the net. 
• Technology may not work.
• access by people outside of the college; privacy
• Students who are computerpobic may retreat from this technology.