A personalized approach for teaching Web-based curriculum in Communications & Computer Networks

The main purpose for this article is to present the emerging paradigm of intelligent human-computer interaction in the context of Open Distance Learning, to present new methodological approach to learning by advancing from the pure didactic transmission of knowledge, to the participative style of learning. It also provides a review of the possibilities for using the web for the course delivery and reviews techniques for the use of Personalized Systems of Instruction (PSI) in the Web based course design. The basics of the PSI model are reviewed, a summary of research on PSI is provided and some problems associated with PSI are discussed. The paper explores some of the above questions in a real setting. One example is the development of an integrated lecture/lab course in ´Communications Networks´, extended also for ´Computer Networks´ modules, first for undergraduate students in Information Technology and Telecommunications (BTech level), and respectively for the Graduated Diploma in Computer Engineering. Both modules support theory, applications and assessment within a real-life context. This is also an example for the development and use of interactive and quite personalized computer-based modules for data and computer networks.