Web-based Instruction: Why and How Faculty Should Get Involved

1. Web-based Instruction: Why and How Faculty Should Get Involved William G. Huitt Valdosta State University

2. Traditional media of books, lectures, journal articles, and conference presentations as sources of academic information are being challenged Web-based Instruction Integrating technology into instruction is a high priority on college campuses

3. Web-based Instruction Two issues need to be considered: • Is there a reason for publishing on the Web? • How should materials be provided?

4. Is There A Reason? Rate of growth of the Internet and Web • Internet is growing at an annual rate of 1000% • 200 million computers on the Net by the middle of 2001

5. Is There A Reason? Rate of growth of the Internet and Web

6. Is There A Reason? Rate of growth of the Internet and Web • WebTV will provide access to everyone owning a TV for about $250

7. Is There A Reason? Speed of Access

8. Is There A Reason? University systems taking advantage of technology • Western Governor’s University • Forming alliance with US branch of Britain’s Open University

9. Is There A Reason? Scholarly influence • Meme is the sociocultural equivalent of the gene • Scholars want their memes placed into the flow of information exchange

10. Is There A Reason? Scholarly influence • Traditional publications are isolated pieces of information resources that must be physically accessed to be used • The Web offers connection and integration that is simply not available in print media

11. Is There A Reason? Scholarly influence • Software programs that search the Web for data and develop concepts and principles through the application of Artificial Intelligence algorithms will enhance the Web’s usefulness • If academicians desire to have their memes enter the information-exchange arena, they must make their ideas and materials available via the Web

12. Web-based publishing There are at least three different levels of Web materials to consider: • Portals • Web sites • Web pages

13. Web-based publishing PORTALS • A connecting system • Yahoo and Infoseek are portals to the Web • Western Governor’s University is a portal to distance learning courses • Educational Psychology Interactiveis a portal to educational psychology courses at VSU

14. Web-based publishing WEB SITES • Includes access to multiple Web pages • Each Web site is generally controlled by a single individual (called the Webmaster) • My home page provides access to multiple sections within my Web site

15. Web-based publishing WEB PAGES • Each Web page contains text as well as links to other materials such as other pages, graphics, or audio or video files • It is the linking of multiple pages in a hypertext manner that makes the Web different from print sources • An example is “Why Study Educational Psychology”

16. Web-based publishing WEB PAGES • Develop a template • Provide an overview of the topic • Refer students to copied articles or a book for required detail

17. The Ideal Syllabus • Previous paper showed both faculty and students prefer a comprehensive syllabus • However, too much information too quickly may overwhelm students • Web-based syllabus can provide information to students when it is needed

18. The Ideal Syllabus For example, the syllabus for PSYC 3110: Educational Psychology includes: • Traditional information such as course description and topics covered • Basic format and timing of evaluations • Examples of completed projects and papers • Detailed instructions of activities and projects

19. Conclusions • Web-enhanced and Web-delivered courses are an idea whose time is come • Computer technology, connectivity technology, administrative interest, learner demand, and development software are all coming together to make this possible • Demand for just-in-time or learning-on-demand educational opportunities is destined to grow

20. Get Started Now!

21. Paper available online at http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/files/websites.html