Internet Learning

1
Internet Learning

• Web-based Tools As A Supplement To Classroom
  Teaching

Stuart P. Raeburn, Michigan State Univ.
2
Why Use Web-based Interaction?

• Simplify Class Administration
• Provide Timely Information
• Remove Barriers to Participation
• Increase Opportunities for Interaction
• Publish Student Contributions
• Record Discussions
• Increase Exploration of Course Concepts

3
Types of Interaction

• Student/Material
• Student/Teacher
• Student/Student

4
Types of Tools Available

• Static web pages
• Dynamic web pages
• Web forms
• Applets
• Shockwave
• Synchronous discussion (chat rooms)
• Asynchronous discussion (web bulletin boards)

5
Course Management Systems

• Commercial systems
• Blackboard
• WebCT
• Prometheus
• Institutional systems (e.g., At MSU)
• Lecture Online
• Virtual University Widgets
• Systems created by individual instructors

6
Software Functionality

• Content Upload and Management
• Discussion Board
• Live Chat
• File Exchange
• Opinion Polls/Surveys
• Assessment
• Gradebooks
• Attendance/Usage Monitoring
• Web Publication
• Group Creation/Interaction

7
Assessment Functionality

• Types
• Multiple Choice
• True/False
• Mix-and-Match
• Numerical
• Fill-in-the Blank
• Image Map
• Flexibility
• Randomization
• Attempt History Gradational Scoring
• Feedback, Hints and Mentoring
• Adaptive testing

8
Use of Online Assessment

• Homework
• How Many Versions of each Question?
• Can you verify the identity of the student?
• What is your strategy for network problems?
• Proctored Tests
• Can you verify the identity of the student?
• How will you ensure security of the test?
• Will be web server performance be acceptable?

9
Course Management Issues

• Cost
• Support
• Customization
• Ease of Use
• Sophistication of Feature Set
• Scalability
• Security
• Integration
• Privacy of student data (FERPA)

10
Issues for Instructors

• Is there any reward in addition to the
  satisfaction of improving learning?
• What is the institutions stance on content
  ownership?
• Comfort with role of faculty as learner

11
Impact of Web-based Homework Problems on Learning

• Encourages student discussion.
• Correlation exists between performance in
  homework and exams.
• Gradational scoring encourages critical thinking.
• Exam scores were no higher when web-based
  homework was used.