Web-Based Education: A Review of an Upcoming Educational Method :: Essays Papers

Web-Based Education A Review of an Upcoming Educational Method Over the past 20 years, there has been a drastic change in technology. One example is in learning. The development of the internet has affected the way in which we teach and learn. Web based education is a relatively new-sprung(prenominal) term. There are many methods and techniques for delivering instruction through the web. Academic courses can be enhanced with web-based links, or the courses can be delivered completely on the web. By definition web-based education refers to material found on the World Wide Web which provides information to enhance a persons knowledge (Virtual tip Internet Solutions, 2005). Although it is a very broad term, it has just recently had a major impact on the learning development of children. Web based education includes, but is not limited to E-learning systems, online Universities, individual classroom websites, and general research conducted with the internet (SDSM&T & Sun Microsystems, 2002). Critics argue both the pros and cons of web-based technology therefore in this paper we will present several opposing viewpoints. Within the development of web based education it is important to discuss the Web-Based Education Commission, which is very authoritative in the steady progress of positive web-based education (SDSM&T & Sun Microsystems, 2002). As future teachers we feel this topic is essential to being successful in the classroom. As we previously menti integrityd, web-based education refers to many things on the internet. One example is E-learning systems. E-learning systems refer to the use of network technologies to create, foster, deliver, and facilitate learning, anytime and anywhere (Iqbal, Jones-Harris, & Gordon, 2004). One example is chalkboard. Blackboard is an online tool for teachers and students to enhance communication and learning. Blackboard provides many tools useful to teachers. These useful tools include discussion boar ds, chat rooms, quizzes, digital drop boxes to submit assignments, contact information, and frequently much. Personally we feel that Blackboard has had a major impact on our involvement in classes. In comparison to Blackboard, there is also WebCT. WebCT is a more elaborate example of an e-learning system. This includes courses, assessments, communication, and content presentations comparable to Blackboard (McCormack & Jones, 2000). Both Blackboard and WebCT can be used to enhance a classroom learning environment. E-learning is one of the fastest growing trends within colleges and universities.