Large-scale Delivery Of Web-based University Courses: the experience of one Science Faculty

Jim McGovern, Linda Pannan and Christopher van der Craats, Faculty of Applied Science,
RMIT University, 124 LaTrobe Street, MELBOURNE, 3001 www.rmit.edu.au

Keywords

On-line education, flexible delivery, online university, online courseware development

Abstract

This paper describes the experience of the Faculty of Applied Science in developing its web-based programs. In 1997, the Faculty had pockets of web-based programs, that were largely the work of enthusiastic early adopters. The great majority of staff had little involvement in on-line delivery. Barriers to greater involvement of staff were identified as technological barriers, mistrust of institutional motives, doubts about on-line pedagogy and benefits for students, and lack of resources. A strategy addressing leadership and mentoring, practical support, project funding and staff development to address these barriers was developed and implemented, with the aim of having a web-based presence for all courses by the end of 2002. The basis of this strategy is the empowering of staff to control and participate in development of their own on-line programs, rather than have it perceived as a top-down activity, divorced from face-to-face teaching. By 2000, there has been a significant increase in the delivery of web-based programs by the Faculty, and a large number of projects are ready to begin in 2001. Some useful principles for guiding on-line development have been isolated.