The study investigated the effects of using an online course on reading skill development in Saudi EFL freshman students. Reading pre-test scores showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in their reading skill level. Then, both groups studied the same reading textbook, and completed the same lessons and exercises in that textbook in class. In addition, the experimental group used an online reading course with Nicenet which they accessed from home. The students checked the online reading texts, did the reading exercises, responded to the questions and discussion threads, added reading links, and posted reading threads. Comparisons of the reading post-test mean scores showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group. Results showed that use of an online reading course from home as a supplement to in-class reading instruction helped enhance EFL students' reading skills in English. The students and instructor's attitudes, roles and the problems they faced are reported.