摘要：As the success of distance learning (DL) has driven universities to increase the courses
offered online, certain challenges arise when teaching computer science (CS) courses to students
who are not physically co-located and have individual learning schedules. Teaching CS courses
involves high level demonstrations and interactivity between the instructor and students. For
example, dropout and failure rate is high in introductory programming classes. Algorithmic
thinking is a complex multi-step process. More advanced concepts are layered on top of others
which should be learned previously in mathematics and other science areas. The commonly used
formats of course contents and methods of communication delivered in distance learning
environment such as Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt) and Word, Adobe Portable File Format (PDF),
phones or emails are possible to have some level of interactivity. However, better demonstration
and interactivity can be achieved by using flash technologies and animated simulations, and
employing synchronous communication technology which works as the collaborative platform to
allow the instructor and students to have real time application sharing. In this paper, examples of
using flash videos and collaborative tools to teach online CS courses are presented. In addition,
findings in terms of instructional strategies and suggestions to other educators who may face
similar situations to teach online CS courses are discussed.
