Web-Based Learning Systems: Technology, Trends, Options

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Web-Based Learning Systems Technology, Trends,
Options

• Mark Janas, BS, MBA
• Executive Director
• ValRad, Inc.

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Web Learning/Resource Projects since 97

• On-line continuing education initiative for
  medical imaging technologists (eRads.com)
• L Hs WAL web-based learning environment
  (formerly 123 Web St.)
• Web-based, clinical resource for medical imaging
  (vNet -ValRad, Inc.)

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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 self-directed, self-paced
  instruction in any topic. WBT is media-rich
  training fully capable of evaluation, adaptation,
  and remediation, all independent of computer
  platform.

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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)

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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

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WBT Advantages (Contd)

• 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)

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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

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WBT Components

• Web Browser
• Server
• Content
• Content Delivery (html, Flash, Java, etc.)
• Competency Assessment
• Record-keeping

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WBT Options

• Buy
• Build
• Something in between (eg, develop your own
  web-based content manage it in commercial
  environment)

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If you want to buy.

• lhcpa.com
• blackboard.com
• smartforce.com
• ucompass.com
• webct.com
• vitalect.com
• learnto.com
• avilar.com

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Making an informed decision means being familiar
with

• Client-server vs. Web
• Internet/Intranets
• HTML
• HTTP
• Plug-ins
• Java
• Flash

• Bandwidth
• Databases
• SQL
• TCP/IP
• WAN/VPN
• CGI
• Active X

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Basic Platforms/Architectures

• Client-server platform
• Web platform
• Internet vs. Intranets

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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, ltIgtMark was herelt/Igt displays Mark was here
  on the web page.

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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)
  

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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.)

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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.)

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Java

• Programming language with code that can be
  executed independent of the machines 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 Java-compatible browser
  such as Netscape or IE.

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Databases
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SQL

• Structured Query Language
• SQL is a standardized query language for
  requesting information from a database.

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SQL Example
Table Name Members Table Name Members Table Name Members 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
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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.)

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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.

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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.

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If you want to build
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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Implement formal development process (listen,
   plan, build, deliver, observe, refine)

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Instructional Systems Design Process (ISD)

• Needs assessment
• User analysis
• Interface design
• Content development
• Media creation
• Coding (html, java)
• Maintenance
• Administration
• Updates
• For detailed informationhttp//www.filename.com/w
  bt/pages/process.htm

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Choose media types based on learning objectives.

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Provide ample opportunity for the user to
   interact with the information

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Design products that adapt to the users
   abilities and intelligently respond to the users
   input.

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Keep in mind that people learn in a variety of
   ways.

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Respect the learner.

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Rules for Good WBT Design

1. Test your designs on real users.

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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.

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WBT Resources

• http//www.filename.com/wbt/index.html -
• Web-based training information center