WebClassroom:  Week #1

This week's topics:

Announcements

Examining the Development of the WWW and its Significance to Instruction

Comparing Traditional and Web-Based Instruction

Locating and Examining Examples of Web-Based Instruction

Deadlines

Announcements

I am hopeful that the trauma of registration is just about behind us.  If you still have questions about your registration status please let me know.  I should have the Students and Their Work section finished by Wednesday, February 4.  This section will contain the names of all students registered for the course.  If you haven't completed the preparation activities and assessment from Preparation Week please complete them very soon.

On Wednesday evening there will be an OPTIONAL online social gathering in The Dragon's Head from 9:15 to 9:45 Central Daylight Time.  The Dragon's Head is a chat area that can be reached from the course home page.  You will not miss any instruction if you can't make it.   It is for fun...bring your coffee, rootbeer float, or celery sticks, place them a safe distance from your computer, and take a few minutes to talk with your classmates (if you can).

Most every week your assignments will consist of three threads:  reading assignments, discussions, and project-related work.  Please be faithful in preparation (doing reading assignments), be active in participating in the discussions (throughout the week an average of 1 post per day is a good place to start), and be diligent in your project-related work.

Examining the Development of the WWW and its Significance to Instruction

Chapters 1 and 2 of Web-Based Instruction present a brief synopsis of the development of the World Wide Web and its emergence as an instructional tool.  After reading these chapters, begin a group discussion of their content in the WC:WK1:WWW discussion area.  By the end of this week's discussions, arrive at a group consensus of:  a preliminary definition/description of web-based instruction; and a statement regarding its potential significance.
 

Comparing Traditional and Web-Based Instruction

Chapter 4 of Web-Based Instruction compares traditional and web-based instruction.  Please read Chapter 4 and be prepared to contend with me (instructor) as I argue the following premise:

    "The world wide web as an instructional delivery system is essentially the same as traditional classroom instruction.  There are no inherent differences, advantages, or disadvantages."

This discussion will take place in the WC:WK1:COMPARE discussion area.

 
 

Locating and Examining Examples of Web-Based Instruction

There are already hundreds of classes that are utilizing web-based materials to deliver or support instruction.  This final part of this week's assignment is to search the web for some of these classes and choose one that you find interesting.   Then post the following to the WC:WK1:EXAMPLES discussion area:

            1.  The address of the web site you have selected.
            2.  A brief (3-5 sentences) summary of the course site.
            3.  A brief (3-5 sentences) initial reaction/evaluation of the site.

The purpose of looking at some examples is to collect a few ideas for when you begin development of your own online materials.  One place that might help facilitate your search is called The World Lecture Hall
 

Deadlines

All Week 1 work and discussions should be concluded by 12:01 AM Central Daylight Time on February 9.  Week 2 materials and assignments will be up by 12:01 PM Central Daylight Time that day (Feb 9).