Early in my experience as a university instructor, I became interested in online teaching and learning. I learned to use HTML, CSS, and various software tools to design interactive learning environments. Then I began to understand the power of the Internet to connect people and ideas. Today, learners need a range of literacy skills (academic, digital, environmental, technological, etc.) and the ability to identify themselves as creators as well as consumers of ideas. They need to learn how to interact effectively online as they master a body of content and acquire new skills--or just become smarter and stronger because of their encounter with ideas. My job is to help this happen, both as...