Teacher and student reflections on interactions in an Internet based-unit

Maor, D. (1999) Teacher and student reflections on interactions in an Internet based-unit. In: 8th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 3 - 4 February 1999, University of Western Australia, W.A.

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Abstract

For the last three years Dorit has been teaching an Internet based distance education unit. This year, more attention was given to the evaluation of the learning in the unit. The features of the unit comprise a static component which includes a Reader, and dynamic components which include an Activity Room and a Resource Room with hot links to other relevant places on the Web.

An important pedagogical design feature is that the Web must be brought to life in an environment of cooperative learning that is consistent with social constructivist theory. This has been achieved in this unit by:

•The establishment of an Activity Room as a centre for learning interaction between students and tutor.
•Students acting as discussion leaders and participants contributing on a weekly basis to focussed activities.
•Interaction between students.

In the paper, Dorit describes her perception of the unit as a facilitator for introducing the research in progress.