Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

6.16. CONVERT CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

If you have activities that work in the classroom, do not assume they will work as well in the virtual classroom. Instructional designers have learned some hard lessons about dumping classroom courses online. They have also discovered new ways of implementing proven teaching methods. Let's look at how the Web changes what we can do in activities.

6.16.1. What WBT adds to regular classroom activities

What does the Web add to the resources available for classroom activities?

• Source of materials. The Web contains rich lodes of case studies, papers, examples, and tools. Although their quality may vary and some of them may change or disappear, these resources represent a super cyber-library.

• Communication within the class. The Internet enables communication among class members scattered over 24 time zones. E-mail, chat, audio- and videoconferencing, discussion groups, and other collaboration tools mean that learners and instructors need not be in the same room or even the same hemisphere to stay in touch.

• Electronic transport. With the Web, materials can be transmitted electronically rather than transported physically. Learners can download materials as needed. Instructors do not have to make photocopies and hand them out in class. The same goes for assignments. Learners can e-mail or post their work rather than having to drive to class or the instructor's office.

• More media. Instructors and learners are not limited to text and simple graphics in handouts ...