Abstract

The project has its origins in a highly successful f2f professional development program for teachers of science which the author initially refused to redevelop as an online program. While there was considerable experience in web database, discursive online methods, and synchronous video available, the fundamental design of the course required such a degree of learner involvement in discussion, observation and experimentation, that no "off the shelf" product could be realistically employed to satisfy these needs.
Finally a complete redevelopment of the course into a highly temporal and facilitator driven online program was undertaken. This program features a range of technologies which have been integrated into a system that ultimately is directed by the facilitators in terms of content, timing, and depth.
This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of the purpose built online learning environment and discusses both the technological implementations and the training of developers and facilitators that were required.

Bionote

Bernard is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Australia. His research interests include the development and implementation of communications methods for learner support, online database techniques and virtual reality systems in education. He is director of the Centre for Educational Multimedia located in the faculty, which has interests in the evaluation and development of multimedia in education and training.

Presentation Type
30 min. Paper

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
Australia