Online Learning Courseware: Web Based Technologies Internet Librarian International 2002 Wednesday 20 March 2002 Frank Cervone Assistant University Librarian for Information Technology Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, US Darlene Fichter Data Library Coordinator University of Saskatchewan Libraries Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Agenda What is e-learning? Why do it? How to do it? Functions/Features Overview of example systems Blackboard eCollege WebCT
What is e-Learning? Online learning Computer enhanced (or based) instruction, typically delivered over the Internet Early implementations tried to use traditional textbook-based, faculty- focused model Effective e-learning uses a pedagogical model that puts the learner in control of their learning
Why do e-Learning? Support learning at a distance Reduce costs Make money Convenience for the learner Just in time learning (24 x 7) Expectation of students 24x7
Learning management systems Course management system Early days - no tools, build your own Origin of several commercial packages Software facilitates Presentation of course content over the web Communication among course participants Routine management of administrative course- based tasks Test-taking, grading Related services
Typical functionality Content inclusion Collaboration and sharing Synchronous and asynchronous Student tools Course and instructional planning tools
Popular packages in academia Blackboard WebCT e-College Prometheus
Content Inclusion Factors to Consider Accessibility “Bookmarkable” Multimedia support Secure
Authoring Factors to Consider HTML or what? Internal External Pool of resources- learning “objects”
Asynchronous Collaboration and Sharing Factors to Consider File Exchange Webliography Newsgroups
Synchronous Sharing and Collaboration Factors to Consider Chat Voice Chat Whiteboard Group Browsing Web Application Sharing
Student tools Factors to Consider Self assessment Progress tracking Motivation materials Study skills
Course and Instructional Planning Tools Factors to Consider Course Planning Course customization Course monitoring Quiz/survey tools
Blackboard example
Blackboard example (cont.)
WebCT example
WebCT example (cont.)
Creating Accounts
Other Systems Lotus Learning Space Very expensive Commercial implementations WBT Systems – Top Class Not actively supported Bought out by Blackboard Prometheus Bought out by Blackboard
Purchase Considerations What is currently being used? Integration Campus-wide integration Single system vs. multiple systems Don’t let low start-up costs fool you Make vs. buy
Optional: Tutorial Builders Qarbon Viewlet builder Column in Online magazine about the tool and how to build viewlets
Thanks! Frank Cervone Assistant University Librarian for Information Technology Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, US Darlene Fichter Data Library Coordinator University of Saskatchewan Libraries Saskatoon, SK, Canada
WebCT plug-ins for 10 languages, including Czeck, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and UK English.