Challenges
* Scheduling real-time chats across 2-3 time zones
* Varying levels of comfort with technology: steep learning curve
* Round-the-clock access to e-mail & the Internet
* Balancing class work & full-time jobs: keeping up with the 
  weekly assignments & interaction *Technological problems: different e-mail applications/Word
  editions, e-mail/servers down, constantly changing URLs of important
  course links, changes on the electronic listserv /bulletin board
* Personal problems
* Effects of distance: delay in response time; no visual contact