The Web as a Teaching-Learning

Tool

John C. Cavanaugh

University of Delaware

Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, San

Francisco, August 1998

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Three Pieces, One Web

Course platform: The Web-based software used to build the course

Educational resources: Course-related material available on the Web

Student products: Student-generated Web pages

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Course Platforms: It All Starts Here

Why it matters– Web pages only vs. object-

oriented platforms– Several platforms exist (e.g., Serf,

WebCT, TopClass)– Platforms permit interweaving of:

• syllabus• resource material• video• assignments• quizzes/exams• submitting essays• tracking• grading

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Course Platforms: Effective Use Building a Web-based course

requires careful thinking about learning objectives

Platforms allow instructor to organize “classes” around specific objectives, and permit a mastery learning approach

Integration of additional material offers more complete learning

Inclusion of chat rooms and virtual meetings opens additional possibilities

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Educational Resources:A Matter of Choices

The issue is not availability; it’s selection and appropriate use

Several options:– Electronic course reserves and

full-text journal articles– Databases (PsycLit, MedLine,

Web of Science, etc.)– Websites– Multimedia

Finding the right mix is easier said than done

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Educational Resources:Education and Resource

Using the Web involves more than a flexible wrist and quick index finger

Knowing how to use search engines effectively is essential– A good site on this is

http://web.aacpl.lib.md.us/searchpage/tgsearch.htm

Being able to evaluate content critically is equally essential– This requires faculty guidance

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Student Projects

Having students create and submit documents as Web pages accomplishes several learning objectives, and serves as another way to assess outcomes– Use of resource material– Use of search engines– Critical evaluation of content– Web document creation– Integration of text and other

material

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Student Projects

Assignments can be created that serve other purposes, such as service learning (e.g., creating an informational Website for a senior center)

In sequenced courses, Websites can become cumulative

In capstone courses, Websites can be a means for assembling student’s portfolio

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Summary

Many more decisions must be made concerning instruction now than ever before

Use of a Web-based course platform offers many powerful and exciting options for better learning

Integration of electronic resource material enhances the student’s experience and learning

Student projects provide real evidence of learning outcomes