1. COURSES ON THE WEB
- DESIRABLE DESIGN FEATURES
- Simple straightforward language
- Clear easy to read screen fonts - e.g. Arial rather than Times New Roman
- Frequent use of pictures to illustrate and enhance
- Clear page layout for ease of navigation
- Use of universal symbols for simple instructions to replace text .
- FEEDBACK ON THE LEARNING
- Checklist at the start of what the learner is expected to learn
- Some action by the learner after a piece of learning
- Multiple choice questions to check learning
- Checking understanding frequently (after each learning 'byte')
- Sending the learner to alternative pages depending on her/his answers
2. BLENDED LEARNING
( A mix of learning conventionally and learning through the Internet)
- LEARNING IS A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE
- Some form of communication between tutor and online learner
- Email group or discussion board
- Using a learning platform such as Centra or PalTalk for live communication regularly to discuss understanding of the course
- WEB SEARCH AS A WAY TO ENHANCE A CONVENTIONAL CLASS
- Built in internet links at the start so they are integral components
- Student encouragement to explore knowledge on the web
- elp students to make critical judgements about the content of web pages by showing good and bad examples
- Build in support for possible technical difficulties e.g. using search engines, by handouts or short computer sessions
- OTHER WAYS TO ENHANCE AN ECOURSE
- Hints at the end of the course where to learn more about the subject
- A selection of books/links for further reading
- Implications of the course for real life
- Engagement with others/younger people to bring about dialogue
Cultural Diversity within the Euconet project - Something to be valued, appreciated and to learn from. Useful elements incorporated.
Comparing developments within different countries - There are difficulties with this as it is not comparing like with like - privileged versus underprivileged, computer literate versus illiterate, well resourced versus few resources, large versus small country, different political histories and current political and economic priorities.