A Framework for WWW-based Learning with Flexible Navigational Guidance

The quality of World Wide Web-based learning depends on several critical success factors. In particular, course materials on the Web should not represent a one-to-one transfer of written lecture notes; added values (e.g., interaction and dialogue components, training modules) should be provided. This paper introduces the approach of multimedia Web-based teachware packages taking these demands into consideration. Applications are based on a series of modular reusable components providing core functionalities--especially flexible navigational guidance--and serving as a framework for developing Web-based teachware packages with any type of content. The first section discusses motivation, including advantages of Web-based learning compared to traditional computer-based training, and a project to create a "virtual campus," at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) . A framework for Web-based teachware packages is presented in the second section, including flexible navigational guides, orientation guides, interactive components, annotations, glossary, online manual, assistance by the tutor and technical support staff, and learner-learner communication. The third section addresses reusability and course generation, including integrated guided tour definition and separated guided tour definition. Figures illustrate the control panel, navigational guides, and separated guided tour definition. (AEF) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. o Points of view or opinions stated in this ,Incument do not necessarily represent al OERI position cr policy. A Framework for WWW-based Learning with Flexible Navigational Guidance Christian Langenbach, Freimut Bodendorf Dpt. of Information Systems, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany {Christian.LangenbachlFreimut.Bodendorf} @ wi2.wiso.uni-erlangen.de PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Abstract: The quality of WWW-based learning depends on several critical success factors. Especially, the course materials on the WWW should not represent a one to one transfer of written lecture notes. Added values like interaction and dialogue components, training modules, etc. should be provided. This paper introduces the approach of the multimedia WWWbased teachware packages taking these demands into consideration. Applications are based on a series of modular reusable components providing core functionalities especially flexible navigational guidance and serving as a framework for developing WWW-based teachware packages with any type of content. The quality of WWW-based learning depends on several critical success factors. Especially, the course materials on the WWW should not represent a one to one transfer of written lecture notes. Added values like interaction and dialogue components, training modules, etc. should be provided. This paper introduces the approach of the multimedia WWWbased teachware packages taking these demands into consideration. Applications are based on a series of modular reusable components providing core functionalities especially flexible navigational guidance and serving as a framework for developing WWW-based teachware packages with any type of content.