Promoting Active-Student Learning Using the World Wide Web in Economics Courses

Abstract

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Internet tools in teaching quantitative economics: why gaps between potential and reality?

“…The potential advantages claimed of using Internet tools over traditional teaching methods in economics education have been discussed widely in the literature (Sosin, 1997;Agarwal & Day, 1998;Simkins, 1999;Lage et al, 2000). These advantages include easy and rapid access to knowledge and information, fast and asynchronous communication, cost-saving, learner-centred content, learner control and use of the messages, and reach to a diversity of student cohort.…”

“…Such examples in economics education include Lage et al (2000), Parks (1999), Vachris (1999), Simkins (1999) and Agarwal and Day (1998). 1 The unique attributes of Internet tools may benefit students' learning experience by offering a new medium of interaction that complements classroom instruction, giving additional tools to support students' studies, facilitating idea generation and evaluation and record keeping, and yielding positive externalities for future employment, further study and/or research, and engagement in lifelong learning (see Simkins, 1999;Gal-Ezer & Lupo, 2002;Parkinson & Hudson, 2002). However, though the use of Internet tools in economic pedagogy is growing, there is no firm evidence to prove that Internet tools can make a substantial difference in improving teaching and enhancing learning.…”

Active and Cooperative Learning Using Web-Based Simulations

“…Greenlaw (1999) reviewed the use of these sorts of tools at length. Simkins (1999) described classes using a simulated Federal Reserve meeting where the meet-…”

"Those Who Can, Teach" - The Pivotal Role of the Teacher in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Learning Environment

“…Research studies of ICT use in economics courses have shown that ICT empowers students and enables them access to the discipline (Smith & Smith, 1989;Hallberg, 1996;Katz, 1999;Simkins, 1999). WinEcon is chosen for this study because of its comprehensiveness as a tutorial-based hypermedia, and its exibility and scope of incorporating other ICT tools.…”