It is very challenging. I am preparing Powerpoint slides with lots of equations and technical terms on them. I had to purchase a supplemental equation editor to do this. It was quite intuitive to learn, but nevertheless it did require some time on my part to become proficient with it. I let a TA publish my material to the course web page, and do not do it myself.

Be sure that you have the full support of your college or university as you begin activities with the Internet. Many times your institution will not have a clue as to what the real maintenance needs of an on-line approach to a course really means. Initially, any change in what you do in a course is time-consuming.

You can start by using commercial materials and have a technician or a knowledgeable student help you using the technology. You will be surprised At how easy it really is. Depending on which of many possible models you follow for technology use, the issue of equipment failure is a serious one. You need to use equipment that is under the auspices of an organization with good maintenance facilities and personnel.

The technical challenges are minor. If you know how to insert a CD and click a few icons, you are in good shape. The main problem is selecting what is good and useful.

The learning curve may be steep with some options, e.g., lectures in Tool Book® or Powerpoint®, perhaps less in distance learning lectures and discussions, more-so in group web site activities.