NARRATOR: Hey there computer, why so glum? COMPUTER: Oh, people say I'm unfriendly, and that I'm not a good teaching tool. NAR: Well, perhaps they just aren't using you to your fullest potential - here... CMP: What's this web site? NAR: It's OTS, Online Teaching Services for faculty, staff and grad students at U of T. It's a new project, created by the Centre for Academic Technology, a part of the Information Commons. The address is ots.utoronto.ca CMP: Hey neat - but what kind of services are we talking about? NAR: Well, OTS includes free Coursetools that you can use right away to create a space on the Internet for your course web pages as well as create an online bulletin board for your students. CMP: You mean I don't have to get departmental approval or send off a dozen e-mail messages? NAR: No, just fill out the online form and you can start uploading your pages immediately. CMP: Neat! What else? NAR: OTS includes access to WebCT, a full-featured courseware package. CMP: I've heard of WebCT and other courseware packages, but I didn't think U of T was using any of them. NAR: Well, OTS is providing support for the WebCT program and might be adding others in the future. CMP: That's great - so what can I actually do with a courseware package? NAR: You can create individual password-protected student logins, post course notes and lectures, use live chat and bulletin boards... CMP: In other words, everything I need to do a full online class! NAR: Right! Or you can use just some of the features to support and enhance traditional classes. CMP: Fantastic! Anything else? NAR: Yes, the Centre for Academic Technology is offering training sessions as part of OTS. CMP: What kind of training? NAR: Hands-on workshops in using courseware, lunchtime seminars introducing some of the latest web technologies, and the popular "Developing Web-Based Courses: From A to Z," a week-long course. CMP: Wow! But this all sounds like a lot of work. Is there any way I can get someone to do a professional web site for me? NAR: Yes there is. OTS provides access to WebSavvy, an accessible web design service run by the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre. CMP: And they can create a complete, professional-looking website? NAR: Absolutely! But there is a cost associated with this service, so contact them to get a quote. CMP: Okay! Anything else I should know about Online Teaching Services? NAR: Well, if you want to get the latest information on training courses, programs, services and more, you can sign-up for the WEB-INST-L listserv. CMP: What's a listserv? NAR: It's a mailing list that comes straight to your e-mail. CMP: Oh great, how do I sign up? NAR: All the information is on the OTS web site. CMP: Great! What's that address again? NAR: ots.utoronto.ca CMP: Wow, thanks a lot mister! The next time someone wants me to create a friendly web-based teaching resource, I'll point them at Online Teaching Services at ots.utoronto.ca!