Title: A framework for developing web-based courses and learning tools

Authors: Xingwei Hao

Addresses: School of Computer Science and Technology, Shandong University, 27 Shanda South Road, Jinan, 250100, China

Abstract: The popularity of the internet and the requirement of continuing education and life-long learning in the information society promote the rapid development of e-learning, and the integration of educational and modern information technology has become increasingly extensive and inseparable. In this paper, we propose an open framework for developing web-based courses and learning tools based on behaviourist, cognitivist, and constructivist learning theories. Compared with the commercial e-learning system, the framework does not require specialised investment. Teachers can set up their own curriculum server easily, and edit or update the course content according to their teaching ideas. Learners can login to the course website as a guest or a registered user to learn in a personalised or collaborative learning pattern. With the help of the learning tools, the learners can also learn by making notes, having discussions, taking tests, and even putting bookmarks, which makes e-learning easy and comfortable. Based on the framework, we have developed some web-based courses in Shandong University, and two of them were awarded the national quality courses in 2008 and 2010 respectively.

Keywords: web-based courses; learning tools; self-learning; CSCL; computer-supported learning; collaborative learning; information society; ICT; information technology; communications technology; educational integration; behaviourist learning theories; cognitivist learning theories; constructivist learning theories; behaviourism; cognitive approaches; constructivism; commercial systems; specialised investments; teachers; curriculum servers; course content; content updates; content editing; teaching ideas; learners; course websites; registered users; personalised learning; learning patterns; notes; note taking; discussions; tests; bookmarks; Shandong University; universities; higher education; continuing education; life-long learning; engineering education; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web; online courses; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2012.047047

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2012 Vol.22 No.1/2, pp.36 - 48

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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