Introduction: Setting the Stage

Science has become a vital component of almost every human endeavor in a modern world, and the global demand for higher education in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines is growing rapidly. Teaching science online and at a distance is not a trivial undertaking. Students learn in the context of that culture; however, science is not just pure content or a collection of facts. With restructuring of higher education systems around the globe, an increased emphasis on and demand for education in the STEM disciplines, rapidly growing knowledge economies, availability of enhanced ICTs, and more mobile populations, the only thing that seems constant is change itself. Usually it is a combination of approaches with the right mix that leads to success. Although the particular mix of teaching and learning modes really depends on the specific situation, experience has shown that certain learning activities are better suited to different approaches.