Web-based Instruction

Integrating technology into instruction is a high priority on college campuses

Traditional media of books, lectures, journal articles, and conference presentations as sources of academic information are being challenged

Web-based Instruction

Two issues need to be considered:

• Is there a reason for publishing on the Web?

• How should materials be provided?

Is There A Reason?

Rate of growth of the Internet and Web

• Internet is growing at an annual rate of 1000%

• 200 million computers on the Net by the middle of 2001

Is There A Reason?

Rate of growth of the Internet and Web

050

100150200250300350

1997 2001 2003

Number of People Using the Internet

Is There A Reason?

Rate of growth of the Internet and Web

• WebTV will provide access to everyone owning a TV for about $250

Is There A Reason?

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

Home

Network

Cable

ASDN

Speed of Access

Is There A Reason?

University systems taking advantage of technology

• Western Governor’s University

• Forming alliance with US branch of Britain’s Open University

Is There A Reason?

Scholarly influence

• Meme is the sociocultural equivalent of the gene

• Scholars want their memes placed into the flow of information exchange

Is There A Reason?

Scholarly influence

• Traditional publications are isolated pieces of information resources that must be physically accessed to be used

• The Web offers connection and integration that is simply not available in print media

Is There A Reason?

Scholarly influence

• Software programs that search the Web for data and develop concepts and principles through the application of Artificial Intelligence algorithms will enhance the Web’s usefulness

• If academicians desire to have their memes enter the information-exchange arena, they must make their ideas and materials available via the Web

Web-based publishing

There are at least three different levels of Web materials to consider:

• Portals

• Web sites

• Web pages

Web-based publishing

PORTALS

• A connecting system

• Western Governor’s University is a portal to distance learning courses

• Educational Psychology Interactive is a portal to educational psychology courses at VSU

• Yahoo and Infoseek are portals to the Web

Web-based publishing

WEB SITES

• Includes access to multiple Web pages

• Each Web site is generally controlled by a single individual (called the Webmaster)

• My home page provides access to multiple sections within my Web site

Web-based publishing

WEB PAGES

• Each Web page contains text as well as links to other materials such as other pages, graphics, or audio or video files

• It is the linking of multiple pages in a hypertext manner that makes the Web different from print sources

• An example is “Why Study Educational Psychology”

Web-based publishing

WEB PAGES

• Develop a template

• Provide an overview of the topic

• Refer students to copied articles or a book for required detail

The Ideal Syllabus

• Previous paper showed both faculty and students prefer a comprehensive syllabus

• However, too much information too quickly may overwhelm students

• Web-based syllabus can provide information to students when it is needed

The Ideal Syllabus

For example, the syllabus for PSYC 3110: Educational Psychology includes:

• Traditional information such as course description and topics covered

• Examples of completed projects and papers

• Basic format and timing of evaluations

• Detailed instructions of activities and projects

Conclusions

• Web-enhanced and Web-delivered courses are an idea whose time is come

• Demand for just-in-time or learning-on-demand educational opportunities is destined to grow

• Computer technology, connectivity technology, administrative interest, learner demand, and development software are all coming together to make this possible

Get Started Now!

http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/files/websites.html

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