ERIC Number: ED397928
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1996-May-28
Pages: 11
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Building Global Learning Communities through the Internet.
Mende, Richard
From Spring 1995 to Spring 1996, Cambrian College, in Ontario (Canada), undertook a project to develop Canada's first full program using Internet technology. The major challenges accomplished included the selection of the program; adaptation of materials for digital delivery; selection of a delivery technology; faculty training; and program marketing, delivery, and evaluation. First, a certificate program for teachers of adults was chosen as the pilot program for Internet delivery due to the existing integration of teleconferencing and independent learning methods. Electronic mail was selected for the delivery technology, specifically the conferencing software known as the "mailing list" since it provides almost universal accessibility. Faculty for the course were recruited for their experience with distance education, while most of the 3-week online training focused on cultural rather than technical issues, such as methods for showing emphasis in electronic text, the use of humor, and the level of commitment necessary to maintain a virtual class. The program was primarily marketed through a gopher site, registering 297 "hits," of which 90 were interested enough to examine the online registration form. Finally, the delivery of the program affected the institution in several ways, from a restructuring of the fee structure for international students in recognition of the global nature of online instruction to significant demands made on the college's Information Systems and Registrar's offices. (TGI)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A