Transcript Web-Based Learning Systems: Technology, Trends, Options

Web-Based Learning Systems:
Technology, Trends, Options
Mark Janas, BS, MBA
Executive Director
ValRad, Inc.
Web Learning/Resource Projects since ‘97
• On-line continuing education initiative for
medical imaging technologists (eRads.com)
• L & H’s WAL web-based learning
environment (formerly 123 Web St.)
• Web-based, clinical resource for medical
imaging (vNet -ValRad, Inc.)
WBT Defined
Web-based training (WBT) is an approach to distance
learning in which computer-based training (CBT) is
transformed by the technologies and methodologies of the
World Wide Web, the Internet, and intranets.
Web-based training presents live content, as fresh as the
moment and modified at will, in a structure allowing selfdirected, self-paced instruction in any topic. WBT is
media-rich training fully capable of evaluation, adaptation,
and remediation, all independent of computer platform.
The WBT Industry
• With revenues approaching $8 billion by the
year 2002, Web-based training (WBT) is
now one of the leading forms of alternative
education.
• WBT/distance resource companies have
suffered with others in the tech sector, but
have seen slight resurgence since 9/11/01.
• Eg, WebX $17 to $24 (all time high ~$50)
WBT Advantages
• easy delivery of training to users
• multi-platform capabilities (Windows, Mac,
UNIX)
• easy updating of content
• shift from costly programming to interface and
content design
• quicker turnaround of finished product
• requires less technical support
• increased billing options
WBT Advantages (Cont’d)
• access is controllable
• options for installations on private networks
for security or greater bandwidth (Intranet
vs. Internet)
• options to link with other training systems
• supplement electronic performance support
systems (EPSS)
WBT Disadvantages
• limited formatting of content in current browsers
• bandwidth/browser limitations may restrict
instructional methodologies
• limited bandwidth means slower performance for
sound, video, and intense graphics
• someone must provide server access, control
usage, bill users
WBT Components
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Web Browser
Server
Content
Content Delivery (html, Flash, Java, etc.)
Competency Assessment
Record-keeping
WBT Options
• Buy
• Build
• Something in between (eg, develop your
own web-based content & manage it in
commercial environment)
If you want to buy….
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lhcpa.com
blackboard.com
smartforce.com
ucompass.com
webct.com
vitalect.com
learnto.com
avilar.com
Making an informed decision means
being familiar with…
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Client-server vs. Web
Internet/Intranets
HTML
HTTP
Plug-ins
Java
Flash
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Bandwidth
Databases
SQL
TCP/IP
WAN/VPN
CGI
Active X
Basic Platforms/Architectures
• Client-server platform
• Web platform
• Internet vs. Intranets
HTML
• HyperText Markup Language, the authoring
language used to create documents on the
WWW.
• HTML defines the structure and layout of a
Web document by using a variety of tags &
attributes.
• Eg, <I>Mark was here</I> displays Mark was
here on the web page.
HTTP
• HTTP defines how messages are formatted and
transmitted, and what actions web servers and
browsers should take in response to various
commands.
• For example, when you enter a URL in your
browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to
the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the
requested page. (Eg, http://www.valradweb.com)
Flash, Plug-Ins
• A bandwidth friendly and browser
independent graphic animation technology.
As long as different browsers are equipped
with the necessary plug-ins, Flash animations
will look the same.
• Plug-ins are “portals” that allow small
computer program to run within an html
environment. (Flash, Java applets, Active X.)
Active X
• ActiveX is not a programming language, but
rather a set of rules for how applications should
share information. Programmers can develop
ActiveX controls in a variety of languages.
• An ActiveX control is similar to a Java applet.
Unlike Java applets, however, ActiveX controls
have full access to the WOS, making Active X
more powerful (& potentially dangerous.)
Java
• Programming language with code that can
be executed independent of the machine’s
operating system, via a virtual machine.
• Small Java applications are called Java
applets and can be downloaded from a Web
server and run on your computer by a Javacompatible browser such as Netscape or IE.
Databases
SQL
• Structured Query Language
• SQL is a standardized query language for
requesting information from a database.
SQL Example:
Table Name: Members
MemberID
LastName
FirstName
Overdue
123
Baker
Todd
Yes
456
Janas
Mark
Yes
789
Doe
John
No
SQL Statement:
SELECT MemberID FROM Members WHERE Overdue = “Yes”
Yields:
123
456
CGI
• Abbreviation for Common Gateway
Interface, a specification for transferring
information between a web server and a
CGI program.
• A CGI program is any program designed to
accept and return data that conforms to the
CGI specification (can be written in Perl,
VB, Java, C.)
TCP/IP
• Abbreviation for Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol, the suite of
communication protocols used to connect
hosts on the internet.
• Even network operating systems that have
their own protocols, such as Netware, also
support TCP/IP, making it a de facto
standard.
VPNs
• Short for virtual private network, a network
that is constructed by the Internet to connect
nodes.
• These systems use encryption and other
security mechanisms to ensure that only
authorized users can access the network and
that the data cannot be intercepted.
If you want to build………
Rules for Good WBT Design
1. Implement formal development process
(listen, plan, build, deliver, observe,
refine)
Instructional Systems Design
Process (ISD)
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Needs assessment
User analysis
Interface design
Content development
Media creation
Coding (html, java)
Maintenance
Administration
Updates
For detailed information:http://www.filename.com/wbt/pages/process.htm
Rules for Good WBT Design
2. Choose media types based on learning
objectives.
Rules for Good WBT Design
3. Provide ample opportunity for the user to
interact with the information
Rules for Good WBT Design
4. Design products that adapt to the users’
abilities and intelligently respond to the
users’ input.
Rules for Good WBT Design
5. Keep in mind that people learn in a variety
of ways.
Rules for Good WBT Design
6. Respect the learner.
Rules for Good WBT Design
7. Test your designs on real users.
Evolution of WBT…..WBPSS
Web-based performance support systems (WBPSS) further
help today's busy workers perform their jobs by integrating
WBT, information systems, and job aids into unified
systems available on demand.
WBT Resources
http://www.filename.com/wbt/index.html Web-based training information center