EducatIT Workshop 1

1
EducatIT Workshop 1

• Essentials of Online Learning,
• WebCT as a student.

2
On-line Delivery Institutional advantages

• Theoretical infinite capacity.
• Reaches more widely dispersed students.
• Innovative and cost-effective.
• Flexible delivery anywhere, any time.

3
On-line Delivery Advantages

• Space and time independent asynchronous learning.
• Suitable for disabled, or have family and work
  commitments and limited funds.
• Text-based learning suited to those whose primary
  language is not English.

4
Asynchronous CMCAdvantages

• Students can work at their own pace, tutors can
  teach in off-peak periods.
• Good vehicle for gaining communication and IT
  skills.
• Messages can be archived to allow for reflective
  learning.

5
Asynchronous CMCcommunication

• F2f at a distance, combining best of both
  modes. Student centred learning.
• Allows effective tutor-students, and
  student-student interaction.
• Teaches communication skills allows sharing of
  knowledge, experience and support.

6
Conference Management

• FFF - CMC must be fruitful, fast and fun to
  maintain student participation.
• Skilled tutors.
• Mature/PG learners with attitude and
  willingness to contribute.
• Good learner teamwork.
• Appropriate on-line and off-line activities.
• Good online learning technology.

7
Group Activities in CMC

• Especially useful for group and problem-solving
  tasks, eg
• Internet searching and evaluation.
• Web page/on-line magazine construction.
• Debates led and summarised by learners, perhaps
  involving role play.
• Construction of FAQ databases.
• Invited world-wide speakers.

8
Asynchronous CMCDisadvantages

• Steep learning curves for technology and new mode
  of teaching/learning.
• Information overload.
• Fewer cues for real meanings, eg. body
  language/voice intonation.
• Need for greater tutor input (but lower
  input/student).

9
Further uses for WebCT

• Educational research via tracking.
• Course collaboration with other UK and
  international WebCT users
• 1200 universities use WebCT,
• Technology already in place,
• Additional staff logged in as graders.

10
Accessing WebCT as a student

• Go to http//161.76.9.68900
• Click on COURSE LISTING then JM.
• Click on the key symbol next to the course
  FACULTY EDUCATIONAL.... to create an account
  for yourself.
• Fill in the details and click on DONE. Dont
  forget your login ID and password.