For many tertiary level educators wishing to begin using Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and the Internet as a delivery medium for courses, there are often initial infrastructure difficulties which are not able to be solved at lecturer/tutor level. Computer Services must install and maintain suitable learning environment software and provide access via logins, listerv software and e-mail software need to be available for students and teachers, and online costs accounted and budgeted for.

One way for staff who wish to 'test the waters' in the on-line learning environment is to use an off-shore on-line learning site.

An example of this, which the author has tried, is a WWW site called Nicenet. Nicenet is a nonprofit organisation based in Silicon Valley, with a variety of sponsors providing server space, internet services and software.

This (free of charge) on-line learning environment provides a range of tools and resources for hosting an on-line course, including conferencing and assignment facilities, internal messaging, link and document posting, class roster listing, and scheduling of class activities.

Setting up a class and maintaining it is relatively easy and user-friendly, and this environment provides a simple and accessible way for tertiary educators to begin the on-line learning journey, while working towards the resolution of the infrastructure and resource issues that often face tertiary institutions who are starting out in the on-line learning area.

Examples of the different Nicenet pages and processes will be provided, with a 'live' demonstration if an Internet link is available.