TY - JOUR
T1 - Learning through web page design
AU - Peel, D.
PY - 2001/11/1
Y1 - 2001/11/1
N2 - This paper describes and evaluates the use of web page design in a first-year undergraduate Town Planning course. The initiative is part of an inter-university UK research project entitled Built Environment Appropriate Technology for Learning (BEATL). The paper begins by providing a theoretical framework for the analysis, drawing on Laurillard's (1993) seminal work, Rethinking university education: A framework for the effective use of educational technology, before detailing the design and delivery of the module and evaluating the project. The paper then develops a rationale for the use of web authoring as a learning method and assessment device. It concludes by identifying some of the issues involved when introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into a module that has previously been delivered and assessed using more traditional methods. Briefly, the findings suggest that, although frustrated by the limitations of their web pages, the students were highly motivated by the innovation and considered web authoring an important skill for future employment. In terms of educational effectiveness, the paper argues that web authoring can enhance 'learning about learning', which is increasingly being recognized as an important key skill. Nevertheless, the paper also identifies some of the risks when attempting to embed new technologies, and emphasizes the pedagogical rethinking required when writing learning outcomes and assessment criteria, and, from a more practical point of view, the need to ensure the necessary resources, in terms of staff time and training, computer access and appropriate technical and institutional support.
AB - This paper describes and evaluates the use of web page design in a first-year undergraduate Town Planning course. The initiative is part of an inter-university UK research project entitled Built Environment Appropriate Technology for Learning (BEATL). The paper begins by providing a theoretical framework for the analysis, drawing on Laurillard's (1993) seminal work, Rethinking university education: A framework for the effective use of educational technology, before detailing the design and delivery of the module and evaluating the project. The paper then develops a rationale for the use of web authoring as a learning method and assessment device. It concludes by identifying some of the issues involved when introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into a module that has previously been delivered and assessed using more traditional methods. Briefly, the findings suggest that, although frustrated by the limitations of their web pages, the students were highly motivated by the innovation and considered web authoring an important skill for future employment. In terms of educational effectiveness, the paper argues that web authoring can enhance 'learning about learning', which is increasingly being recognized as an important key skill. Nevertheless, the paper also identifies some of the risks when attempting to embed new technologies, and emphasizes the pedagogical rethinking required when writing learning outcomes and assessment criteria, and, from a more practical point of view, the need to ensure the necessary resources, in terms of staff time and training, computer access and appropriate technical and institutional support.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0035624456&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/14703290110074920
DO - 10.1080/14703290110074920
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0035624456
SN - 1470-3297
VL - 38
SP - 383
EP - 395
JO - Innovations in Education and Teaching International
JF - Innovations in Education and Teaching International
IS - 4
ER -