Discussion Questions

As a part of the course requirements for IT 648 we were required to participate weekly in threaded discussion via the black board. These are the five discussions along with my responses to each question.

WEEK 1
Discuss how you can use the Web in teaching, training, and learning. What are the advantages as well as the limitations and pitfalls of Web-based instruction?

My response: It has fascinated researchers how online/Web-based instruction has evolved in just one decade. Such an evolution that started from correspondence courses by mail to later evolve into a Web-based/online learning community characterized by its rich learner-centered environment where both student and instructor collaborate and engage in constructivist practices (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004). Web-based instruction is used for teaching and instruction in universities all over the country. In 2002 over 1,680 university institutions offered over 54,000 online courses. Another study by the College Technology Review reported that in the 2004-2005 academic year, two out of three institutions offered Web-based/online programs. C.J. Bonk (2001) project Web-based instruction will account for 73% of university teaching loads by the year 2011. Many believe that web-based education will change the face of education in the future by becoming the dominant tool for teaching and learning (Saba, 2005; Simonson et al., 2003). A contemporary author made the assertion, “the Web is the future….Students learn to ask better questions, to make better arguments, and to present themselves more positively over the Web. Benke et al. report that 86% of college students compared to 59% of the general population use the internet, and 49% of the these students begin using the internet before they arrive at college (2004). The Web is seen by many as a productive and functional tool that as altered the way society interacts with itself and with information in its daily life.There are several advantages of Web-based instruction:A. Web based instruction is conventientB. Web-based instruction offers courses that are flexibleC. Web-based instruction offers more individual attentionD. Web-based instruction teachers you to be self disciplinedE. Web-based instruction connects you to the global villageAlthough there are advantages of Web-based instruction, there are also disadvantages”A. Lack of interaction B. Lack of time constraintsC. Not recommended for students who lack time management skills.

WEEK 2
What are the major components of a Web course if you are asked to design and develop one today? What tips and suggestions you would share with your colleagues when designing an effective Web site for teaching and learning?

My response:

The major components of a web course are: navigation, site links, page links, site guides, search button, fast find, contents and index page, paging links.In designing a course Web site it is important to conduct thorough means assessment. One should find out what thier institution offers for course Web site development such as what software, facilities, funding, and development support is available. Next objectives for the Web site should be defined. Objectives can can be defined by looking at other web sites because it gives you a sense of what others are doing and it will help you to incorporate the web into your curriculum. Once means have been assed and goals have been formulated one can devise an organizational structure their website. Gatihering materials on the content list is the most important part for developing a website Once you have gathered all materials on your computers you will be ready to begin creating a site.

Week 3
Discuss the dangers associated with using the Internet and the strategies teachers can use to minimize risks.

Acceptable use policies are guidelines applied by website owners which restrict the ways in which a website can be used. Despite the fact that the WWW can be a great place for students, teachers, parents to gain information, play educational games, perform research, communicate with other students around the world, and for shopping; the internet can be very dangerous. The internet has no regulations or control over what is posted on it. There are many things online unsuitable for minors. The internet is a haven to many violent and disturbing images and sexually explicit sites. The internet is also a haven for cyberbullying in which online merchants will harass or intimidate someone by spreading false rumors and threats. People are also subjected to advertising pressures. Last students easily expose themselves to the many viruses found on the Web.There are several things teachers can do:1) Establish precautions about safe web use2) Learn about the internet3) Instruct students to be critical of the internet4) be knowledgeable about blocking software.

Week 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Interactive Video (IVN) in education? What are your opinions about the use of IVN in teaching and learning if you have taken IVN classes at USM? Discuss how you can use video conferencing technology in education.

Interactive Videoconferencing is an excellent tool that may be used in distance learning settings. This system can be integrated into the distance learning program with some adaptation to the curriculum and course and is designed to support two-way video and audio communication between multiple locations. Several advantages of interactive video is:It allows an interactive and collaborative environment between the instructor and students at different sites. Allows for the use of different media: Blackboards, handwritten documents, and videos may be incorporated at all sites. Provides for connections between experts in other fields.Allows for access between other individuals. Provides additional access to students at remote sites. Disadvanages :Companies which produce codecs have each developed unique methods of compression which are incompatible, although protocols have been established to allow communication among brand names. Students not located within the came location as the instructor have to rely on phone to communicate with the professor.If visuals not clear students may not be able to see them.

Week 5

Discuss the advantages, obstacles, issues and opportunities facing wireless technology in education.

Wireless technologies has become a rapidly emerging area of growth and importance for providing ubiquitous access to the network for the campus community. Students, faculty and staff increasingly want untethered network access from general-purpose classrooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and even the hallways of campus buildings. Some of the constraints have included disparate standards, low bandwidth, and high infrastructure and service cost. The primary advantages of wireless technology areEase of use and deployment in new and legacy systems Extended range capabilities Portability Ease and flexibility of installationThe major disadvantage of wirless communication is how easly interference can impede wireless signals along with high costs.