The Impact of Web-Based Educational Software: Off-the-Shelf vs. In-House Developed Software

Abstract In this paper we present the impact of Intercollege’s Web-Based Teaching and Learning Environment (IWBTLE). IWBTLE allows lecturers to develop webbased educational material using Web-based educational software WebCT (offthe-shelf software) and InterLearning (in-house developed software). The on-line material is available to the students through our Intranet and Internet sites. It is important to note that at this stage the aim of IWBTLE is to provide enhanced educational support to the students and not to replace traditional teaching and learning. The development of the InterLearning software and the development of the on-line material using both WebCT and InterLearning was funded by Intercollege and the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation. The on-line material was used by the students during the 2002-2003 (WebCT) and 2003-2004 (InterLearning) academic years. In this paper, we report on how students rated the WebCT and InterLearning software environment and their supporting tools and present a comparative analysis of the students’ feedback. We also report on the lecturers’ evaluation of the InterLearning software. This survey analysis helps us design our strategy in terms of what tools to use for the IWBTLE.