Web-CCAT: a Collaborative Learning Environment for Geographically Distributed Information Technology Students and Working Professionals

Abstract

This paper describes the underlying concepts, architecture, and design of a Web-enabled CyberCollaboratory (Web-CCAT) for geographically distributed information systems students and working professionals. The primary objectives for Web-CCAT are (1) to provide the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of cooperative learning without having to coordinate meeting times or come to campus; and (2) to provide a more technologically enriched collaborative environment than is possible in a traditional face-to-face classroom. To meet these objectives, multiuser , collaborative software tools and procedures were designed for use in the asynchronous mode of communication. Web-CCAT is implemented as a tool kit of commercially available applications coupled with software developed at the University of Illinois at Springfield. The system became operational in January 1999.

Performance Factors of a "Full Distance Learning": The Case of Undergraduate Students in Academic Exchange

“…should at first sight, contribute to reducing the cost of teaching per student and generating savings likely to secure a return on the technological investment. Some researchers even associate e-learning implementations with development and competitive advantage achievement [Webster and Hackley, 1997;Dufner et al, 1999]. The use of technology in education has nowadays, however, outpaced systematic efforts to evaluate its effectiveness [Lemak et al, 2005, p. 150].…”

GearBi: Towards an online arbitration environment based on the design principles simplicity, awareness, orientation, and timeliness

“…This is not to say that these time intervals cannot taken liberally, but the general principle of timeliness still applies. Dufner et al (1999) but also Nakano (2001) argue that web sites must reflect that their contents is an up-to-the-minute reflection of the current topical interests. If this is not the case, then outdated content and the absence of time-indicators decrease the trust of users in the overall accuracy of the site, and deprives them of the incentive to actually live up with its pace.…”