Discussion of Resources and Attributes of the Web for the Creation of Meaningful Learning Environments

Web-based instruction (WBI) is a hypermedia-based instructional program that utilizes the attributes and resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning environment where learning is fostered and supported. A WBI learning environment should include many resources, support collaboration, implement Web-based activities as part of the learning framework, and support both novices and experts. WBI design requires careful consideration of the Web's potential in relation to instructional design principles. In this article, A WBI program is discussed in terms of various components and features that can be conducive to learning environments. Components are integral parts of a WBI system. Features are characteristics of a WBI program contributed by those components. Components, individually and jointly, can contribute to one or more features. For example, E-mail (component) in a WBI program can provide asynchronous communication (feature) to students and the instructor. Likewise E-mail, listservs, newsgroups, conferencing tools, etc. (components) can jointly contribute to the creation of a virtual community (feature) on the Web. Careful examination of issues important to learners and an understanding of capabilities of WBI components and features can facilitate the design of meaningful learning environments and relevant learning opportunities. Advances in information technology, coupled with the changes in society, are creating new paradigms for education. Participants in this new educational paradigm require rich learning environments supported by well-designed learning resources. The Web, as a medium of learning and instruction, has the potential to support the creation of well-designed learning resources, such as Web-based instruction (WBI).