Use Of On9 Learning

ABSTRACT

Educators today are using distance education and use online learning as methods for delivering courses. There are many software packages specifically designed for electronic learning (e-learning), such as WebCT, Blackboard, and Prometheus. Teaching styles have to be adapted to this new environment since the Internet as a medium for course delivery is different from the traditional teaching settings. Lecturers and students will have to adjust to the pedagogy that uses instructional technology as an integral component in teaching and learning in order to be successful with online learning classes. WebCT was selected because of its wide usage in online education all over the world. The goal is to determine students' perceptions of online learning tools, identify their advantages as well as the challenges of using web-learning tools.

INTRODUCTION

Before Internet access became widely available, instructors delivered asynchronous instruction via telephone, cable TV, videotape, or printed materials to distance learning students In recent years, universities have moved to Internet-based courses to attract students not able to attend traditional classes for various reasons. Many schools that have not used instructional technology to accomplish course objectives in the past now have to be trained to do so, and they very often include a component in the course that provides information to students about the technology itself. It should have a general relevance to all educators because most schools have now made computing courses compulsory as part of the graduating requirements.

FINDING

The use of the Internet as a tool for Internet-based learning (also called e-learning) has educators rethinking the way instruction is administered to students. Internet-based communication creates a variety of ways to deliver instruction and provide electronic resources for student learning. Some methods, such as using Web pages to deliver text in much the same way as hard-bound texts, are very familiar to faculty. However, a big advantage is that the Internet also supports the delivery and use of multimedia elements, such as sound, video, and interactive. Curriculum, administration, and assessment are all affected as members of the educational community experience changes in communication and commerce that are a result of the explosive expansion of the. These technologies in a general term are referred to as courseware. Thus, many educators are looking at the way Internet-based learning can provide flexibility and convenience. Internet-based learning can overcome some traditional barriers such as time and place.

A student can study independently online or take an instructor-led online class, which combines the benefits of self-study with those of more traditional classroom-based learning.

METHODOLOGY

From my research through the use of online learning, firstly students determine the schedule and study at their own pace. They can review the material for as long as necessary. Feedback from online quizzes takes the form of preprogrammed responses. Unfortunately, there is no one to whom the student can direct questions. This form of study requires strong self-motivation. Secondly the students participate with an instructor and other students, although not at the same time. They attend classes whenever they need or until the course material is completed. This approach offers support and feedback from the instructor and classmates. It is usually not as self-paced as independent study. Thirdly, Students attend live lectures via computer and ask questions by e-mail, messenger or in real-time live chat. This format is the most interactive of the three and feels the most like a traditional classroom. Flexibility is restricted by the previously determined lecture schedule.

RESEARCH

The course selected for integrating e-learning tools is titled "Introduction to computers". This particular course was selected due to the expected variation in students' skills and interest areas, and the suitability for integration of e-learning tools. All undergraduates within the institution irrespective of the department also offer this course. Student volunteers were therefore selected for the project across five departments within the