Learning and Technology - learning paradigm
- scale -- number of participants
- symmetry -- focus on participants
- perception -- quality of audio/video
- interactivity -- time-delay
- co-location -- distance between participants
- cost -- price per participant
- time -- time to achieve learning objective
- tools -- the range of choice
... traditional, distance learning, Web-based ...
slide: Learning and Technology
Learning Support
- Collaboration Tools - XTV, NetMeeting, WEB-4M
- Videoconferencing Tools - MBONE (Vic/Vat)
- Web Tools - QuestWriter
- Cross-Platform Tools - Unix/X and 95/NT
- Environments - CUSeeMe: conferencing, whiteboard, email, document sharing
see Use of Web technology for Remote Instruction
slide: Learning Support
Benefits of a Web-based Classroom
- computer mediation - store, index, search, convert, distribute
- Geographic independence - lifestyle, quality of learning experience
- Temporal independence - asynchronous participation
- Platform independence - CDROM, shockwave and plugins?
- Unified User Interface - popularity of the Web
- increased communication, increased learner control
slide: Benefits of a Web-based Classroom
Problems with a Web-based classroom
- access and resources - ...
- cost - LAN, ISDN
- training - ... the Web can be intimidating ...
- adopting new methods - pedagogy matches technology?
- infrastructure - support and administration
- no uniform quality - (non) robust technology!
- copyright, privacy, security, authentication
- acceptance - ...
slide: Problems with a Web-based classroom
Institutional factors
- mission statement, direction
- infrastructure and funding
- promotion and rewards
- changing (teaching) methods
- admission procedures
- Web publishing policies
- Internet access and training
... and what do your collegues say?
slide: Institutional factors
Client software and hardware - Q/A?
- What client operating system is being used?
- What is the minimum hardware available?
- What client software is available?
- What peripherals are available?
- What access is there to the client?
- How competent are the participants?
- Will the staff or students require training?
slide: Client software and hardware - Q/A?
Server software and hardware - Q/A?
- What operating system does the server have?
- What are the characteristics of the server's hardware?
- What software is available on the server?
- What are the capabilities of the software?
- What else is the server being used for?
- How reliable is the server?
- What access do you have to the server?
- What support is available for the server?
slide: Server software and hardware - Q/A?
Technical support
- server software and hardware
- network infra structure
- training in the use of technology
- problems and questions - helpdesk
slide: Technical support
Planning and Design
- Step 1:
- Develop a list of educational goals
- Step 2:
- Identify implementation methods.
- Step 3:
- Prioritize approaches.
- Step 4:
- Design the structure.
- Step 5:
- Design a page layout.
slide: Planning and Design
Navigation structures
- hierarchical - like a book, ...
- sequential - as a guided tour
- hypermedia - structural and associative links
slide: Navigation structures
Guidelines
- concentrate on content
- good design is simple
- legibility is the key
- context must be clear
- consistency means predictability
- be accurate!
- be unique ...
- appearance must match purpose
- support a variety of visitors
slide: Guidelines
Page types
- Home page
- index pages
- content pages
- study guide pages
- lectures - presentation pages
Technological limitations
- speed, resolution, colors, multimedia
slide: Page types