RASCHKE (craschke@du.edu)
Mon, 12 Apr 1999 11:12:10 -0600 (MDT)
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 11:12:10 -0600 (MDT) From: RASCHKE <craschke@du.edu> Subject: Re: TopClass and WebCT
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I and a colleague have been using WebCT for an introductory humanities
class at the Universtiy of Denver.
Basically WebCT functions as a "class portal" that allow students routine
access to content, forums, grading, etc. From the instructor side it is
a convenient course management tool. Access is password-protected as
well, and you can create a course-specific email system that is not
encumbered by personal or extraneous mail.
The tightness and control of your instructional segment of the web is
WebCT's overriding advantage. It creates a comfort zone for first-time
online learners, as all they really need is basically knowledge of how to
use a browser, though there are some quirky, and at times maddenning,
internal navigation headaches with the system. I have seen courseware
more intuitively designed than WebCT.
The downside is that by creating its own artificial, course-customized web
environment, WebCT tends to impair the student's full and rich experience
of the internet itself. Though it has a function for posting student web
pages, this part of the management system is cumbersome and intimidating.
My recommendation is that it is excellent for courses in which most online
learners are novices, but counterproductive for more advanced classes
where digital literacy is not only encouraged, but assumed.
On Sat, 10 Apr 1999, John Edwards wrote:
> List address to send message to everyone: ifets-discuss@LISTSERV.READADP.COM
> Details of current discussion: http://ifets.gmd.de/discuss.html
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I am evaluating the web course delivery software TopClass and Webct. If
> anyone has references to pertinent information or personal experience with
> this software, I would appreciate communication on this matter.
>
> Thanks.
> John S. Edwards
> Information Technology
> Macon State College
> Macon GA 31206-5144
> 912.471.2801
> jedwards@cennet.mc.peachnet.edu
>
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