While online programs continue to grow at an astounding rate in higher education, many faculty remain skeptical of the efficacy of online models. This article provides an overview of some significant benefits of online education while recognizing some common concerns. An examination of the current literature and the authors' own online experiences enable them to identify significant benefits in online education and suggest five foundational concepts for best practice. First and foremost, the goal of the online or hybrid classroom should not be to replicate the face-to-face classroom but to offer an effective learning experience.