Teaching and Learning Using Internet On-Line Courses
Charles E. Ophardt, Professor of Chemistry,
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, USA
email: charleso@elmhurst.edu
Presented June 28, 1998 at IMAC 98, Alicante, Spain
Rationale - Challenges to Learning
Characteristics and Design of an Internet On-line Course
Online Discussion, Communication Methods, and Web Discussion Board
Creation of a "virtual textbook" from sources in the Internet
Advantages and disadvantages for on-line course delivery
How to get started on putting various components of a course on-line
General Evaluation of CHM 110 On-Line Option
Selection of Internet sites with science and engineering applications
A distance education Internet based on-line class which transcends the time and space requirements of a traditional class may be very appealing to a well motivated independent learner. In the "digital age" teaching model, the teacher acts as the guide or multi-resource person to students actively engaged in independent learning from many rich sources of information now readily accessible electronically. The subject content is learned using a mixture of media, multiple resources, problem solving and critical thinking methods.
An on-line course designer must look at methods to ensure that educational discussion and learning is facilitated. A main feature of an on-line course is the establishment of instructor to class communications which may take the following forms: Asynchronous communication using email, lists serves, and a web based discussion board for "any time" discussions; Synchronous communication using conferencing software (chat rooms).
Resources are currently available on the Internet to create a "virtual textbook" from a variety of reputable and primary sources. Electronic or virtual field trips may be constructed for various science and engineering applications. Tips on how to get started in putting various components of a course on-line will be discussed. A summary of advantages and disadvantages for on-line course delivery will also be discussed, as well as, a selection of Internet sites with science and engineering applications.