User-Generated Content in Education/Web Based Learning and Teaching

What is Web Based Learning?
Web based learning, online learning, or e-learning can be defined as deriving instruction from the Internet anytime and anywhere. Although distance learning can date all the way back to the first correspondence courses of the mid-1800s, the most current versions of online classes have only been around for a couple of decades. According to the U.S. Department of Education: Office of Educational Research and Improvement, e-learning promotes “student learning through involvement with authentic, challenging tasks” and fosters “a culture that supports learning both in the classroom and beyond the school walls”. The argument exists that web based learning is the trend for the future of education, so there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Advantages
•	Ability to link resources in many different formats

•	Can be an efficient way of delivering course materials

•	Resources can be made available from any location and at any time

•	Potential for widening access—for example, to part time, mature, or work based students

•	Can encourage more independent and active learning

•	Can provide a useful source of supplementary materials to conventional programmes

(List courtesy of the National Library of Medicine at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1125774/)

Disadvantages
•	Access to appropriate computer equipment can be a problem for students

•	Learners find it frustrating if they cannot access graphics, images, and video clips because of poor equipment

•	The necessary infrastructure must be available and affordable

•	Information can vary in quality and accuracy, so guidance and signposting is needed

•	Students can feel isolated

(List courtesy of the National Library of Medicine at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1125774/)

Stages of the E-Learning Process
To ensure the highest quality of online education, it takes several teams of dedicated professionals adhering to the following stages before and after full implementation. This process assists in alleviating student frustration concerning the above-mentioned disadvantages and any subsequent pitfalls.

1.	Planning

2.	Design

3.	Production

4.	Evaluation

5.	Delivery and Maintenance

6.	Instruction Stage

7.	Marketing

For anecdotal and visual evidence of successful web based learning experiences, see these classroom and schoolwide reformation studies from SRI International and the U.S. Department of Education: Office of Educational Research and Improvement at http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/classroomstories.html and http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/schoolstories.html.

What is Web Based Teaching?
Web based teaching is one that uses the internet and all of its resources and applications to affectively educate its students. Web based teaching spans the globe without the barriers of the traditional classroom setting; connecting students and teachers through the world wide web.

21st Century Teaching Tools

 * Blogs
 * Wikis
 * Podcasts
 * Google Applications

Hybrid Teaching and Course Design
The hybrid approach to web based teaching combines the both face to face instruction and online learning and instruction. Students are required to do more of the work on their own and class time is left for reflection, evaluation, and synthesis.

Other Web Based Teaching Applications
Simulations like Phun used for web based and system exploration in science.

Second Life virtual world exploration.

Scratch