Process-centered environments for Web-based instructional modules

Given the substantial development effort internationally to extend the Web as the basic interface for distributed information systems, it is appropriate to adopt the Web technologies as the primary user interface and primary server interface for computer-delivered educational modules. The Web interface gives, a coherent and standard framework for integration of visual, audio, and text information, and for moving among elements of the educational module (local or remote). The process of developing Web-based educational modules for distance learning, often requires significant investment of time and efforts. This is sometimes hampered by a lack of resources and tools to support embedding of graphics, voice, and video clips. This paper surveys the current state of the art of Web-based instruction and presents a process model for a process-centered environment for generating Web-based course lectures. The tools surveyed include ClassNet, a tool developed at Iowa State University for managing Internet class activities, and WebCT, a tool developed at the University of British Colombia which facilitates the creation of integrated Web-base educational environments