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ITV (Interactive television)
Use of this technology is expanding to meet the growing demand for greater access for non-traditional students . Many believe the ITV format removes dynamic interaction between faculty and student, making it difficult to create face-to-face style "community" where students become involved and contribute to learning in a thoughtful manner (Parkay, 2000). "The key concept with ITV is access, not real time replacement" (pg.86). Good ITV teachers utilize diverse teaching methods to establish learner interaction and involvement. Increasing use is being made of combination ITV, online, and/or web based class experiences.
Web-based curriculum
Challenges: Hardware problems are revealed when we review curriculum websites. The most common problem for the average viewer are issues of equipment capacity. Graphics-heavy sites are often slow to download (Bridges, 2002). Site navigation designs are often confusing and become too time consuming for students to locate specific resources quickly while others are too simple with unattractive, static HTML design. The designers appear to have a lack of understanding of the constituent's apprehension of the emergent technology learning models (Bridges, 2002).
More technical support (May, 1994), text minus jargon is another necessary requirement for successful use of this medium. The use of "insider text" is a phenomena described as the often-intimidating "Unassailable Voice" by Walsh (1997). Finding time to learn to learn the technology is a MAJOR challenge for many teachers and students (Borland, 1997)
Positives. There are positive trends in web-based curriculum design including increased collaborative learning opportunities and improved computer skills (Thiele,1999), as well as increased access to the faculty and possibilities for employing a constructivist web-based model (Herrnocker, 1999).
WebCT, Blackboard, and other software programs are cost effective as long as technology-training opportunities for both students and faculty can be justified and paid for in department or through special grants (Clyatt, 1999). The discussion boards create real community and dialogue opportunities for the non-verbal student. The calendar and weekly syllabus options provide the opportunity for Praxis course development opportunities. Web based curriculum could also provide access for the physically challenged, including those with hearing loss.
VCR and Video
Video cassette recorders (VCR) are everywhere, including the homes of the majority of those seeking access to higher education. The advantages of designing for VCR programming include low probability of equipment failure and reports of a high rate of learner usability and accessibility (Herron, 1999). The obvious disadvantage, both time-wise and financially, is the high expense of first time production.
DVD and CD-ROM technologies
DVD and CD-ROMs may have a high initial production cost, but replication and updating are relatively cheap and easy to produce. Many online programs use CD Rom and DVD to deliver images, sound, and audio curriculum.
Video Web Cam
A web camera (or webcam) is a near real time camera whose images can be accessed using the World Wide Web. Generally a digital camera delivers images to a web server, either continuously or at regular intervals. A good video cam costs about $50.00. This option could be used for one-on-one conferences and small group discussions.
One–On–One Mentors
Experts in the field, are called mentors in education and called preceptors in nursing programs. The strength of the hybrid online delivery model using one-on-one experts in the field of study has been proven over time (Thiele, 1999). The students have access to a strong theory to practice connection not available in a traditional classroom setting. The investiture of a mentor in their mentee’s program completion and subsequent hire is an ingredient for success that can not be measured.
Community Resources and Service Learning Opportunities
This is an area that is underused in online curriculum development. Normally, the faculty would not have any control over quality of activity using this deliver mode but with the use of the expert mentors and carefully constructed critique reviews, the use of community resources provides the students with real life experiences and line items for their resumes. This curriculum delivery strategy also provides the community with a steady pool of volunteers, enriching the relationship between the institution of higher learning and the facility where the students hope to become employed.
Streaming Video
A technique for transferring data such that it can be processed as a steady and continuous stream. Streaming technologies are becoming increasingly important with the growth of the Internet because most users do not have fast enough access to download large multimedia files quickly. With streaming, the client browser or plug-in can start displaying the data before the entire file has been transmitted. This option is now available and affordable.
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