Facilitating Access to Distance Education: Creating Pedagogically Driven Courseware Using Simple Technologies

Information and communication technologies can enhance the teaching and learning process. Especially in a distance learning setting, ICT can be used to create effective courseware and learning environments that cater individual learning needs. While numerous technologies are available for the development of educational material, the use of technology should be driven by sound pedagogical principles. This paper discusses the development of courseware for a foundation course of a distance learning undergraduate computer science programme. It presents the design strategy that was followed for the development of learning material for a diverse group of adult students and shows how simple technologies can support pedagogical principles and create an effective learning environment.