Abstract:
Just over a decade ago Dr. Owston wrote one of the first widely-cited academic articles in Educational Researcher about the educational role of the web. He argued that educators must be able to demonstrate that the web (1) can enhance access to learning, (2) must not result in higher costs for learning, and (3) result in improved learning. Since then we have seen the rise of the "net generation" and almost universal access to the web in schools and higher education. Computer costs have plummeted too — the once elusive goal of building the under $1000 computer has long been achieved and the $100 computer is the new target. But what about learning? Does the web improved student learning and, more importantly, does it really matter any more since the web is now such an essential tool in our schools and society? In this presentation, Owston will address these questions and talk about new directions in web-based learning, including Web 2.0 technologies, games and simulations, and virtual worlds.