Web Base Collaboration Tools

Create a list of attributes of Web-based collaboration tools that could form the basis of an online learning program. (Source Reference: Kerka, 1996; Khan p.284) for online collaboration
Course management tools (Adminsitrative & Content Management)
Tool	Function	Attribute Analysis
1. Administrative tools student enrollment & log in process 2. Content management	Offers (1) – student tracking, activities, grading process; roster sheets (2) Content creation & delivery – example: file management of instructional material (listing of course goals & lesson objectives), uploading/downloading of media documents for online lectures (example videos, graphic files, text & audio files) quizzes & exams, surveys for formative and summative evaluation for course feedback	Learning curve for both instructors and students can be overwhelming. Time is needed to learn how to work the functions of the Course Management Tool. However, once learned, a robust system is productive in administration or organization process, online course delivery and evaluation – a great time and cost saver
Communication Tools
Tool	Function	Attribute Analysis
Synchronous tools - chat programs (IRC) and phone conferences Whiteboards	Real time communication or chat Whiteboards can be used for real time demonstrations such as displaying illustrations or explaining a math formula.	Offers solutions where a problem has to be taken care immediately
Synchronous media - Audio/Video Conferencing	Learners and instructors can communicate & see each other visually in real time across the globe.	Great motivational tool but users may have technical constrains. Example, Low bandwidth connection can inhibit the delivery of media content
Asynchronous Communication - Electronic mail	Delivery of course material, assignments and projects, student-instructor feedbacks, and personal concerns	Effective asynchronous communication tool between instructors & learners.
Discussion boards/forums	Asynchronous communication for use of special topic discussion and class participation	Learners and instructor can log in at anytime to participate in the online class at their convenience. Instructor can analyze or assess learner’s understanding of course objectives based on Q&A sessions or forums
Intranet networking within corporations	Material distribution on in-house training for employees	Allows personal/private training on content distribution, exchange of memos etc, without having to worry about security issues
Resource Tools
Tool	Function	Attribute Analysis
Informatics	Use of library resources, online databases, and search engines for research	Great resource and application for learners to pursue research material and additional course content
Online tutoring services (Example smarthinking.com, gomath.com)	Offers lerners addional help such as writing, math etc. that is beyond the scope of course lectures	The availablity of supplement live online help can help facilitate learning for needy students.
References Kerka, S. (1996) Distance learning, the internet, and the world wide web. Retrieved October 30, 2004, from http://www.ericfacility.net/ericdigests/ed395214.html Khan, B. (2001). Web-Based training. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications, Inc.