Current Technologies in Web-Based Instruction

Distance education, by its nature, depends highly on technology. Because of physical separation of the instructor and the learners by time or space, technological tools are often used to enhance the communication and bridge the geographical gap. Compared to traditional education, course developers and instructors in distance education are required a different set of skills and competencies to teach students who are physically located in different places. Distance educators need to master technologies to make distance learning effective and efficient.

As a reference for course development, the primary technologies currently used in web-based instruction are presented in the following table (Davidson-Shivers & Rasmussen, 2006): 

Technological Tool

Definition

Potential Activities

Cell Phone

Wireless telecommunications device can integrate text, voice, and images and access the Internet. Instant messaging (IM) can occur.  

·         Communication

Chats or
Instant Messaging

A real-time, text-based conversation among groups of individuals.
(Currently available via Blackboard, DyKnow, and Elluminate at FHSU)

·         Group discussion

·         Question and answer sessions

Desk Video Conferencing

Two-way video and audio, or two-way audio and one- way video interaction combination, or one-way live video.

 

·         Small-group discussion

·         Instructor and participant presentations

·         Outside expert and participant presentations

Listservs

A system allowing people to send email to one central location where their messages are distributed to other subscribers of the list.

·         Threaded discussion groups

·         Course instruction

·         Instructor-student communication

Newgroups/USENET

A worldwide system of discussion groups, similar to a distributed bulletin board system decentralized information utility.

·         Discussion groups

·         Debates

·         Course instruction

Multi-user Domain, Dungeon, or Dimension (MUDS)

A multi-user simulated environment (usually text-based) permitting users to create things that stay after they leave and others can use in their absence, thus allowing a world to be built gradually and collectively.

·         Scenarios for role playing

·         Games

·         Group projects

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Handheld computers that can be connected to desktop computers for sharing information.

·         Download data from computer for field experiments

·         Schedule learning experiences

·         Communicate with other learners and instructors via email

Plug-ins

Software that adds new features to a commercial application, and they often can be downloaded for free.

·         Music and audio

·         Videos

·         Animated presentations

Web or Discussion Boards

A discussion group or forum accessed via the web
(Currently available via Blackboard at FHSU).

·         Threaded discussion groups

·         Instructor-led presentation of materials

·         Student interaction

Blogs

User-generated websites composed of text, graphics, and links.

·         Journals

·         Discussions

·         Group projects

Web Cams

Computer-connected video camera that permits the most recent image to be requested via a Web page

·         Viewing real-time pictures from one of many sites or site-to-site video imaging