1. Internet Enhanced Learning:
The Student Experience of SW1008
Prepared at the Request of Dr. Aaron Mann
For the Team Teachers’ Meeting on March 15, 2000
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

2. Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000
Introduction
This presentation will explore student and instructor experiences with internet-enhanced learning.
It is based on the personal observations of the instructors and comments from students
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

3. Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000
Topics of Discussion
Reasons to use the internet
Learning curve and preparatory work required of the instructor
Student Learning Curve
Comments from the students
What This Means
Websites Used in the Course
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

4. Some Reasons to Use the Internet
Communication Convenience
Low Cost Information-Sharing
Electronic Assignment Submission
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

5. Communication Convenience
Avoids the need to play phone-tag
Provides quick responses to student concerns
Is not schedule-dependent, ie, feedback can be provided any time through
communication is especially helpful if instructor is off-site and comes to campus only to teach
provides a written record of student concerns
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

6. Low-cost information sharing
Saves photocopying costs because students can print out material from their own accounts
Provides access to most current information available
Downloads of full-text documents and legislation are possible
Encourages the development of computer skills in students and professors
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

7. Examples of internet-information sharing
Dissemination of an -based assignment and class update newsletter
A website library of class readings in pdf format.
ing of individual grades and progress
Websites enumerating references and suggestions for class assignments
Links to topic-relevant online multi-media presentations
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

8. Screenshot of email-based newsletter
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

9. Screen-shot of Downloadable Course Readings Library
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

10. Screen-shot of Web-based Resources for Group Projects
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

11. Screen-shot of What you see after clicking question 1
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

12. Screen-shot of Web-based Resources for Correcting Student Errors
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

13. Screen-shot of web-based resources for research paper development
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

14. Electronic Assignment Submission
Saves you from being buried in papers.
Is Physiologically beneficial, I.e. eliminates strain on body derived from carrying materials
Most programs have a search and locate feature to zoom in on a particular section of the paper
If print is small, you can use the “Zoom in” feature
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

15. Learning curve and preparatory work required of Instructor
Can be initially intimidating.
Technical Assistance is available at Pitt through Ctr for Instructional Development and Distance Education
Familiarity with software packages is helpful
Course materials must be in a format readable by computer applications
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

16. Student Learning Curve
Must deal with “computer phobia” and different amounts of computer knowledge among students
Students must use available technical assistance.
Available assistance refers to the 24-hour computer help desk at 624-HELP
Also depends on the knowledge-level of the CIS computer consultant
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

17. Student Learning Curve (Cont’d)
Student must be motivated to learn the new technology.
Student must understand that sometimes computer problems happen. Therefore, s/he may experience frustration in the short-term but will gain some new marketable skills in the long-term
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

18. Comments from Students
“It’s frustrating when the computer does not do what I want it do”
“What you asked us to do initially sounded complicated, but with practice, it is becoming easier
“I really appreciate learning new computer skills”
“I can see how the computer makes performing tasks easier”
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

19. Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000
What This Means
Using the internet to enhance learning requires more work for both professor and student in the beginning.
With practice, patience and persistence, however, instructors and students will see the potential of the internet to enrich the teaching and learning experience
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000

20. Websites used in this course
9/23/2018
Created by Bill Schutz, March 14, 2000