Web based learning

Many of us use the internet or the “web” (world wide web) as a source of information. In medical education, the web is increasingly used both as a learning tool to support formal programmes and as a means of delivering online learning programmes. What can educators do to ensure that the potential of the web is used effectively to support both their own learning and that of their students?

The technology

Much of the literature on web based learning shows that one of the main barriers to the effective use of teaching materials is the technology (for example, poor access, slow downloading) rather than the design of the learning materials themselves. Some of these issues are discussed later in the article, but it is vital that teachers take on expert help with technical issues in the planning, design, and delivery of web based learning programmes. Through programming and the use of “plug-ins” (programs that can be downloaded from the internet), designers can produce interactive course materials containing online activities (such as self assessments), animations, and simulations. These can improve learning and are often more enjoyable and meaningful for learners.

Glossary

• E-conferencing—Use of online presentations and discussion forums (in real time or stored as downloadable files on a website) to avoid the need for participants to travel
• E-learning—Learning through electronic means, such as via the web (see world wide web), an intranet, or other multimedia materials
• HTML (hypertext markup language)—The language used to create web pages. HTML files can also contain links to other types of files including wordprocessed files, spreadsheets, presentation slides, and other web pages
• Hyperlinks—Links in web pages that enable the user to access another web page (either on the same or a different site) with just one mouse click
• Internet—A global network of computers divided into subsets (for example, the web or email systems). Computers are linked to the internet via host computers, which link to other computers via dial up (for example, via a modem) and network connections
• Internet service provider (ISP)—Home users usually access the internet through an internet service provider (such as AOL), which maintains a network of PCs permanently connected to the internet
• Intranet—A network of computers that share information, usually within an organisation. Access normally requires a password and is limited to a defined range of users
• Managed learning environment (MLE)—Usually has an integrated function, providing administrative tools, such as student records, and linking with other management information systems (MLS)
• Search engines (such as Lycos, Google)—Can be used to help to find information
• Videostreaming—The process by which video images are able to be stored and downloaded on the web. These might be in real time (such as a conference) or used asynchronously
• Virtual learning environment (VLE)—A set of electronic teaching and learning tools. Principal components include systems that can map a curriculum, track student activity, and provide online student support and electronic communication
• World wide web (web)—Use of the internet to present various types of information. Websites or home pages may be accessed with the aid of a browser program (such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Explorer). All such programmes use HTML

For additional information see www.learnthenet.com/english/section/intbas.html

What is web based learning?

Web based learning is often called online learning or e-learning because it includes online course content. Discussion forums via email, videoconferencing, and live lectures (videostreaming) are all possible through the web. Web based courses may also provide static pages such as printed course materials.

One of the values of using the web to access course materials is that web pages may contain hyperlinks to other parts of the web, thus enabling access to a vast amount of web based information.

A “virtual” learning environment (VLE) or managed learning environment (MLE) is an all in one teaching and learning software package. A VLE typically combines functions such as discussion boards, chat rooms, online assessment, tracking of students' use of the web, and course administration. VLEs act as any other learning environment in that they distribute information to learners. VLEs can, for example, enable learners to collaborate on projects and share information. However, the focus of web based courses must always be on the learner—technology is not the issue, nor necessarily the answer.

Models of web based learning

Several approaches can be used to develop and deliver web based learning. These can be viewed as a continuum. At one end is “pure” distance learning (in which course material, assessment, and support is all delivered online, with no face to face contact between students and teachers). At the other end is an organisational intranet, which replicates printed course materials online to support what is essentially a traditional face to face course. However, websites that are just repositories of knowledge, without links to learning, communication, and assessment activities, are not learner centred and cannot be considered true web based learning courses.

Features of a typical web based course

• Course information, notice board, timetable
• Curriculum map
• Teaching materials such as slides, handouts, articles
• Communication via email and discussion boards
• Formative and summative assessments
• Student management tools (records, statistics, student tracking)
• Links to useful internal and external websites—for example, library, online databases, and journals

Articles from The BMJ are provided here courtesy of BMJ Group

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1125774/