Using the Web in Teaching – Selecting Appropriate Tools The purpose of this paper is to assist teaching staff of the University of WA to make appropriate selections of computing tools for use in their on-line learning initiatives. The University has acquired and supports a variety of complementary tools for use in managing on-line material, and in addition there is a large variety of tools in use by different Faculties, Schools or individuals. This paper focuses on the centrally-supported tools and contains information on other widely used Faculty tools. It identifies and defines each type and provides an indication of the most appropriate use for each tool. 1. Content Management System (CMS) Content management systems support the creation, management, distribution, publishing, and discovery of Web-based information. Also known as ‘web content management’ (WCM or WCMS), these systems typically focus on online content targeted at internal or external readers. Originally focussing mainly on pages of static information, albeit linked in imaginative ways, many now provide a wide range of interaction capabilities. At UWA, the MySource CMS is the main system in use, with central support provided through UCS (see http://www.weboffice.uwa.edu.au/help/mysource/welcome); a few other smaller systems are installed in various Schools. Some CMS’s add learning management features to become Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS), but it is not proposed to so adapt MySource at UWA.
2. Learning Management System (LMS) Learning management systems automate the administration and delivery of learning material, and manage other on-line learning interactions. This includes registering students, managing learning resources, recording and selective release of results, managing discussion boards and other forms of interaction, and general unit administration. They are also known as Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) in the UK, sometimes as Managed Learning Environments (MLE) and as Course Management Systems (CMS) in the USA (often confused with Content Management Systems). At UWA, the centrally support LMS is WebCT by Blackboard. 3. Course Materials Online (CMO) Unit recommended readings can be placed on the Library’s Course Materials Online service for access via the Web. If the readings are already available in electronic form links are provided. Where possible printed material will be digitised and added to the service. See http://www.library.uwa.edu.au/find_information/course_materials_online 4. Lectopia (previously iLecture) The Lectopia system is provided on free to UWA teaching staff, and allows the automatic recording and processing of audio and visuals from traditional face-to-face lectures into a variety of streaming media formats. These recordings are placed on the Web and can be linked to WebCT or other LMS; students can access the recordings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See: http://www.lectopia.uwa.edu.au Systems in Use at the University of Western Australia | | Features | Costs | Primary Recommended Purpose | Content Management System | MySource - an open-source Content Management System that was adopted by UWA and made centrally available to staff in 2002. | Provides a wide range of tools and facilities for creating, managing and linking on-line material – static, dynamic and interactive. Provides a range of templates to facilitate consistency of design and compliance with the UWA branding and Web Guidelines. | The system and support is provided centrally and is free to UWA staff. | Creation of University websites for non-teaching purposes. | Learning Management Systems | WebCT - a commercial Learning Management System designed specifically for the Higher Education sector. UWA adopted WebCT as its centrally supported LMS in 2002. | Comprehensive range of features to support on-line teaching and learning. Can be used administratively (e.g. to place lecture notes on-line, or the selective release of grades and information), or to support more sophisticated models and pedagogy. Students have to log in and then have access to all WebCT-enabled units for which they are enrolled. | The system and support is provided centrally and is free to UWA staff & students. | Creation of password protected websites for online teaching. | FlyingFish - an in-house Learning Management System developed by Dr Nathan Scott and Dr Kevin Judd from the UWA. | A general-purpose LMS but with fewer features than WebCT, though possessing some unique capabilities. | The system and support is provided free to staff & students in Medicine and Dentistry as well as in Engineering. | Creation of password protected websites for online teaching by Faculties already using it. | Course Materials Online | UWA LibraryCourse Materials Online - an electronic version of the Library’s Reserve Collection. | A digital repository of recommended readings to support teaching and learning activities. Management of copyright compliance for unit readings. | The system and support is provided centrally and is free to UWA staff & students. | Use the CMO for all electronic copies of unit readings. | Lecture Recording System | Lectopia | Automates the recording of audio and visuals (Powerpoint slides, material placed on the visualiser) from traditional face-to-face lectures. Made available on the Web in a variety of streaming media formats. Most lecture theatres are now equipped to handle Lectopia recording. | The system and support is free to UWA teaching staff. | Use the Lectopia system whenever a lecture is to be recorded, especially for remote delivery to regional programs (e.g. Albany and Geraldton). |
Diana Jonas-Dwyer (CATL/OSDS) & Alex Reid (ITPO), 26-May-04. Updated David Glance (ITPO) 22/02/05 Updated eDS team (CATL) 10/08/09 Endorsed by Information Services Committee [26-May-04] and its Technical Advisory Group [13-May-04]; Teaching & Learning Committee [3-Jun-04]; WebCT Integration Committee [25-May-04. | 