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[trabb]

I admit it; I'm a lurker on this particular forum.  I'm curious about something from those of you who teach online.  In my traditional classes, I average about 10% of students coming back and asking for a letter of rec - usually about 3 of 30.  My online classes have approximately 30 students, and in five summers of online teaching, I have never - not even once - had one ask for a letter of rec.  Anyone else notice this? 

[_touchedbyanoodle_]

I haven't had one yet. It would be very difficult to write, so I'm glad.

[groundhog]

I've offered and have not had anyone take me up on it, though I'm only just finished teaching my second class.  If you have a student who only takes classes online, I can imagine that they might need a letter more than a traditional on-campus student who has had multiple in-person professors.  As a writer of a reference letter, I can comment on what I know and not comment on what I don't.  Thus, it would be similar to an employer who may know a candidate's work habits but not be as familiar with their scholarship.  Both types of letters taken together would give a more well rounded picture than one alone.

My 2 cents.

[frozen]

I've written several letters for online students. It's never been a problem if the student was active in the course. I come to know my online students as well or better than some of my on campus students.