Introduction to Educational Software

Educational software  Introduction

Ubuntu for education

With a wide range of educational software and certified hardware, Ubuntu provides secure, cost-effective, accessible computing for students, teachers and school administrators.

What is Edubuntu?

The Edubuntu Project

Edubuntu is a grassroots movement, we aim to get Ubuntu into schools, homes and communities and make it easy for users to install and maintain their systems.

We are students, teachers, parents and hackers who believe that learning and knowledge should be available to everyone who wants to improve themselves and the world around them.

Our Goals

Our aim is to put together a system that contains all the best free software available in education and make it easy to install and maintain.

An Ubuntu Project

The majority of the technical work that the Edubuntu team performs occurs within the Ubuntu project. All the packages we work on are available in the Ubuntu software repositories and the Edubuntu DVD is built from the exact same repositories as the Ubuntu discs and other official derivatives.

 More about Ubuntu

To learn more about Ubuntu, visit the Ubuntu website and read about it on Wikipedia.

 Other Free Software in Education Systems

There are other educational systems besides Edubuntu. Some have different goals, we try to collaborate with other systems where possible. There is a list of other education systems on this page.

Good educational software is hard to come by. And with ever-tightening budgets, it only makes sense that many schools are turning to Linux and open source software to save money. Most people have no idea how many outstanding educational applications there are for the Linux operating system. In the following list, you should find at least one application that's just right for your situation

GeoGebra

Is a multi-platform mathematics software that gives everyone the chance to experience the  Extraordinary insights that math makes possible

What is GeoGebra

GeoGebra is open source dynamic mathematics software for learning and teaching at all levels. This manual covers the commands and tools of GeoGebra 5.0. Depending on your hardware and preferences, you can currently choose between  5.0 Desktop and the  5.0 Web and Tablet App, which feature minor differences in terms of use and interface design.

GeoGebra’s User Interface

Views and Perspectives

GeoGebra provides different Views for mathematical objects:

Algebra View	Graphics View	Spreadsheet View
CAS View	3D Graphics View	Probability Calculator View

Each View offers its own Toolbar that contains a selection of Tools and range of Commands as well as Predefined Functions and Operators that allow you to create dynamic constructions with different representations of mathematical objects.

Depending on the mathematics you want to use GeoGebra for, you can select one of the default Perspectives (e.g.  Algebra Perspective,  Geometry Perspective). EachPerspective displays those Views and other interface components most relevant for the corresponding field of mathematics.

Other Components of the User Interface

You may also customize GeoGebra’s user interface to match your personal needs by changing the default Perspectives and adding other components:

• Menubar
• Input Bar
• Style Bar
• Navigation Bar
• Context Menu
• Virtual Keyboard

Menubar 

This component is part of GeoGebra user interface.

The Menubar is always situated in the top part of GeoGebra window. For applets it can be switched on and off during export. It contains following menus:

• File Menu
• Edit Menu
• View Menu
• Perspectives Menu (Web and Tablet App Version only)
• Options Menu
• Tools Menu
• Window Menu (Desktop Version only)
• Help Menu

Input Bar and Algebra Input

In GeoGebra Desktop, the Input Bar is by default located in the bottom of GeoGebra window. You can show it or hide it using the View Menu or can change it's position within the GeoGebra window.

In the GeoGebra Web and Tablet Apps an Algebra Input is integrated directly into the  Algebra View. Therefore, the Input Bar is not displayed by default if the  Algebra View is part of the GeoGebra window. However, the Input Bar can be shown using the View Menu, replacing the Input Field.

Both, the Input Bar and Algebra Input are providing the same functionalities in GeoGebra. However, the Algebra Input additionally features an Equation Editor, which makes it easier for you to enter equations and expressions.

What is the Style Bar

The Style Bar allows you to quickly and easily change a selection of basic properties of Views or objects. In order to open or close the Style Bar, either click on the little arrow next to the name of the corresponding View in GeoGebra Desktop, or click the Style Bar Button in the GeoGebra Web and Tablet Apps. Please note that there are still more properties you can change using the Properties Dialog.

Style Bar Options for Views

Each View has it’s own Style Bar options. In GeoGebra Web and Tablet App, depending on the View you select, the Style Bar can be opened by using one of the following Style Bar Buttons, and displays the most useful options to the related View.

Graphics View

3D Graphics View

Algebra View

CAS View

Spreadsheet View

GeoGebra offers a Navigation Bar that allows you to navigate through the construction steps of your GeoGebra file.
The Navigation Bar is shown at the bottom of the  Graphics View.

To display it: Right click (Mac OS: Ctrl-click) on an empty spot on the drawing pad, then select the option Navigation Bar in the appearing context menu or activate the option Navigation Bar for Construction Steps in the Basic tab of the  Properties Dialog of the  Graphics View.

The Navigation Bar 

The Navigation Bar provides a set of navigation buttons, and displays the number of construction steps (e.g. 2 / 7 means that the second step of a total of 7 construction steps is currently displayed):

•  button: go back to step 1
•  button: go back step by step
•  button: go forward step by step
•  button: go to the last step
•  Play: automatically play the construction, step by step

Note: You may change the speed of this automatic play feature using the text box to the right of the  Play button.

•  Pause: pause the automatic play feature

Note: This button only appears after activating the Play button.

•  button: This button opens the  Construction Protocol

Note: This button only appears if option Button to open construction protocol is enabled.

The Context Menu

The Context Menu provides a quick way to change the behavior or advanced properties of an object. Right click (Mac OS: Ctrl-click) (or long-tap) on an object in order to open its Context Menu. For example, it allows you to change the object’s algebraic notation (e.g. polar or Cartesian coordinates, implicit or explicit equation) and to directly access features like  Rename,  Delete, Trace On and Animation On.

Note: If you open the Context Menu for a point in the  Graphics View, it gives you the option  Record to Spreadsheet (only if the  Spreadsheet View is opened). Once selected, this feature allows you to record the coordinates of the point in the Spreadsheet View if it is moved.

Note: Selecting  Properties in the Context Menu opens the Properties Dialog, where you can change the properties of all objects used.

The Virtual Keyboard

The Virtual Keyboard of the GeoGebra Desktop Version is a semi-transparent keyboard that is displayed on the screen when the corresponding menu item Keyboard in the View Menu is selected.

It contains the standard keyboard characters, as well as the most used mathematical symbols and operators, and can be used with a mouse or other pointing devices.

This makes the Virtual Keyboard particularly useful when using GeoGebra for presentations or with multimedia interactive whiteboards.

GeoGebra’s user interface also provides a variety of dialogs. Different accessibility features as well as keyboard shortcuts allow you to access many features of GeoGebra more conveniently.

Getting Started

If you are new to GeoGebra, you might want to check out our introductory materials that guide you through your first constructions. If you need additional help you might also want to visit our GeoGebra User Forum or check out GeoGebra's YouTube channel.

Hints for Advanced Users

• Publish your Work
• Share your dynamic worksheets online at GeoGebraTube
• Create a Dynamic Worksheet using our online Worksheet Editor on GeoGebraTube
• Create a GeoGebraBook by using our GeoGebraBook Editor on GeoGebraTube
• Print your construction, possibly together with the Construction Protocol
• Save image files in various formats

For more notes on Geogebra you can visit wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeoGebra

STELLARIUM

A stellarium is a three-dimensional map of the stars, typically centered on Earth. They are common fixtures at planetariums, where they illustrate the local deep space out to perhaps 50 light years. Older examples were normally built using small colored balls or lights on support rods (painted black to make them less obvious), but more recent examples use a variety of projection techniques instead. Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.

It is being used in planetarium projectors. Just set your coordinates and go.

Features

Sky

• default catalogue of over 600,000 stars
• extra catalogues with more than 210 million stars
• asterisms and illustrations of the constellations
• constellations for 20+ different cultures
• images of nebulae (full Messier catalogue)
• realistic Milky Way
• very realistic atmosphere, sunrise and sunset
• the planets and their satellites

Interface

• a powerful zoom
• time control
• multilingual interface
• fisheye projection for planetarium domes
• spheric mirror projection for your own low-cost dome
• all new graphical interface and extensive keyboard control
• telescope control

Visualization

• equatorial and azimuthal grids
• star twinkling
• shooting stars
• eclipse simulation
• supernovae simulation
• skinnable landscapes, now with spheric panorama projection

Customizability

• plugin system adding artifical satellites, ocular simulation, telescope configuration and more
• ability to add new solar system objects from online resources...
• add your own deep sky objects, landscapes, constellation images, scripts...

Introduction to GNU/LINUX

What Is Linux? Introduction to Linux Operating System
                    For detailed notes in pdf click here

Linux is a UNIX-base operating system. Its original creator was a Finnish student name Linus Torvalds, although being ‘open source’ it has change a great deal since its original conception. It belongs to nobody, and is free to download and use. Any changes to it are open for all to adopt, and as a result it has developed into a very powerful OS that is rapidly gaining in popularity worldwide, particularly among those seeking an alternative to Windows.

In 1991, hardware was expanding rapidly, and DOS was the king of operating systems. Software development was slower, and Macs, while better, were also much pricier than PCs. UNIX was growing, but at that time in its history the source code was jealously guarded and expensive to use.

Linus Torvalds was a Helsinki university student who liked playing around with software and computers, and in 1991 he announced the creation of a new core operating system that he had named Linux. It is now one of the most used systems for the PC, and is particularly suitable for businesses with small IT budgets. Linux is free to use and install, and is more reliable than almost all other systems, running for many months and even years without a reboot being necessary.

Advantages and Benefits of Linux

One of the significant benefits of open source software such as Linux is that because it has no owner, it can be debugged without resource to a license owner or software proprietor. Businesses therefore have the flexibility to do as they wish with the OS without having to worry about conforming to complex license agreements.

The major advantage of Linux is its cost: the core OS is free, while many software applications also come with a GNU General public License. It can also be used simultaneously by large numbers of users without slowing down or freezing and it is very fast. It is an excellent networking platform and performs at optimum efficiency even with little available hard disk space.

Linux also runs on a wide range of hardware types, including PCs, Macs, mainframes, supercomputers, some cell phones and industrial robots. Some prefer to dual-boot Linux and Windows while others prefer Linux and Mac OS. System76 machines come pre-installed with Linux in the form of Ubuntu, a Debian distribution of Linux. This is the most popular distribution of Linux for laptops.

Linux Vs Windows

The main benefits and advantages of Linux over other operating systems, particularly Microsoft Windows, are:

• It is free to use and distribute.

• Support is free through online help sites, blogs and forums.

• It is very reliable – more so than most other operating systems with very few crashes.

• A huge amount of free open source software has been developed for it.

• It is very resistant to malware such as spyware, adware and viruses.

• It runs in a wide variety of machines than cannot be updated to use newer Windows versions.

• Since the source code is visible, ‘backdoors’ are easily spotted, so Linux offers greater security for sensitive applications.

• Linux offers a high degree of flexibility of configuration, and significant customization is possible without modifying the source code.

The Linux operating system is widely use by both home and business users, and its usage is increasing daily. It is considered that Linux will eventually overtake Microsoft Windows as the most popular operating system, which could also open the door further for more free software such as Open Office, The Gimp, Paint, Thunderbird, Firefox and Scribus. It is easy to install and run alongside your existing operating system, so give it a try, because it is also easy to remove if you don’t like it – which is unlikely.

1.1.         History 1.1.1. UNIX

In order to understand the popularity of Linux, we need to travel back in time, about 30 years ago... Imagine computers as big as houses, even stadiums. While the sizes of those computers posed substantial problems, there was one thing that made this even worse: every computer had a different operating system. Software was always customized to serve a specific purpose, and software for one given system didn't run on another system. Being able to work with one system didn't automatically mean that you could work with another. It was difficult, both for the users and the system administrators. Computers were extremely expensive then, and sacrifices had to be made even after the original purchase just to get the users to understand how they worked. The total cost per unit of computing power was enormous. Technologically the world was not quite that advanced, so they had to live with the size for another decade. In 1969, a team of developers in the Bell Labs laboratories started working on a solution for the software problem, to address these compatibility issues. They developed a new operating system, which was

1. Simple and elegant.

2. Written in the C programming language instead of in assembly code.

3. Able to recycle code.

The Bell Labs developers named their project "UNIX." The code recycling features were very important. Until then, all commercially available computer systems were written in a code specifically developed for one system. UNIX on the other hand needed only a small piece of that special code, which is now commonly named the kernel. This kernel is the only piece of code that needs to be adapted for every specific system and forms the base of the UNIX system. The operating system and all other functions were built around this kernel and written in a higher programming language, C.

This language was especially developed for creating the UNIX system. Using this new technique, it was much easier to develop an operating system that could run on many different types of hardware. The software vendors were quick to adapt, since they could sell ten times more software almost effortlessly. Weird new situations came in existence: imagine for instance computers from different vendors communicating in the same network, or users working on different systems without the need for extra education to use another computer. UNIX did a great deal to help users become compatible with different systems. Throughout the next couple of decades the development of UNIX continued. More things became possible to do and more hardware and software vendors added support for UNIX to their products. UNIX was initially found only in very large environments with mainframes and minicomputers (note that a PC is a "micro" computer). You had to work at a university, for the government or for large financial corporations in order to get your hands on a UNIX system. But smaller computers were being developed, and by the end of the 80's, many people had home computers. By that time, there were several versions of UNIX available for the PC architecture, but none of them were truly free and more important: they were all terribly slow, so most people ran MS DOS or Windows 3.1 on their home PCs.

1.1.2. Linus and Linux

By the beginning of the 90s home PCs were finally powerful enough to run a full blown UNIX. Linus Torvalds, a young man studying computer science at the university of Helsinki, thought it would be a good idea to have some sort of freely available academic version of UNIX, and promptly started to code. He started to ask questions, looking for answers and solutions that would help him get UNIX on his PC. Below is one of his first posts in comp.os.minix, dating from 1991:

From the start, it was Linus' goal to have a free system that was completely compliant with the original UNIX. That is why he asked for POSIX standards, POSIX still being the standard for UNIX. In those days plug-and-play wasn't invented yet, but so many people were interested in having a UNIX system of their own, that this was only a small obstacle. New drivers became available for all kinds of new hardware, at a continuously rising speed. Almost as soon as a new piece of hardware became available, someone bought it and submitted it to the Linux test, as the system was gradually being called, releasing more free code for an ever wider range of hardware. These coders didn't stop at their PC's; every piece of hardware they could find was useful for Linux. Back then, those people were called "nerds" or "freaks", but it didn't matter to them, as long as the supported hardware list grew longer and longer. Thanks to these people, Linux is now not only ideal to run on new PC's,

LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS

Linux isn’t a complete operating system — it’s just a kernel. Linux distributions take the Linux kernel and combine it with other free software to create complete packages. There are many different Linux distributions out there.

If you want to “install Linux,” you’ll need to choose a distribution. You could also use Linux From Scratch to compile and assemble your own Linux system from the ground up, but that’s a huge amount of work.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is probably the most well-known Linux distribution. Ubuntu is based on Debian, but it has its own software repositories. Much of the software in these repositories is synced from Debian’s repositories.

The Ubuntu project has a focus on providing a solid desktop (and server) experience, and it isn’t afraid to build its own custom technology to do it. Ubuntu used to use the GNOME 2 desktop environment, but it now uses its own Unity desktop environment. Ubuntu is even building its own Mir graphical server while other distributions are working on the Wayland.

Ubuntu is modern without being too bleeding edge. It offers releases every six months, with a more stable LTS (long term support) release every two years. Ubuntu is currently working on expanding the Ubuntu distribution to run on smartphones and tablets.

Linux Mint

Mint is a Linux distribution built on top of Ubuntu. It uses Ubuntu’s software repositories, so the same packages are available on both. Originally, Mint was an alternative distribution loved mainly because it included media codecs and proprietary software that Ubuntu didn’t include by default.

This distribution now has its own identity. You won’t find Ubuntu’s own Unity desktop here — instead, you get a more traditional Cinnamon or MATE desktop. Mint takes a more relaxed approach to software updates and won’t automatically install critical software updates. Controversially, this has led some Ubuntu developers to label it insecure.

Debian

Debian is an operating system composed only of free, open-source software. The Debian project has been operating since 1993 — over 20 years ago! This widely respected project is still releasing new versions of Debian, but it’s known for moving much more slowly than distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. This can make it more stable and conservative, which is ideal for some systems.

Ubuntu was originally founded to take the core bits of stable Debian and improve on them more quickly, packaging the software together into a user-friendly system that’s more frequently updated.

Fedora

Fedora is a project with a strong focus on free software — you won’t find an easy way to install proprietary graphics drivers here, although third-party repositories are available. Fedora is bleeding edge and contains the latest versions of software.

Unlike Ubuntu, Fedora doesn’t make its own desktop environment or other software. Instead, the Fedora project uses “upstream” software, providing a platform that integrates all this upstream software without adding their own custom tools or patching it too much. Fedora comes with the GNOME 3 desktop environment by default, although you can also get “spins” that come with other desktop environments.

Fedora is sponsored by Red Hat, and is the foundation for the commercial Red Hat Enterprise Linux project. Unlike RHEL, Fedora is bleeding edge and not supported for long. If you want a more stable release that’s supported for longer, Red Hat would prefer you use their Enterprise product.

CentOS / Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercial Linux distribution intended for servers and workstations. It’s based on the open-source Fedora project, but is designed to be a stable platform with long-term support.

Red Hat uses trademark law to prevent their official Red Hat Enterprise Linux software from being redistributed. However, the core software is free and open-source. CentOS is a community project that takes the Red Hat Enterprise Linux code, removes all Red Hat’s trademarks, and makes it available for free use and distribution. It’s a free version of RHEL, so it’s good if you want a stable platform that will be supported for a long time. CentOS and Red Hat recently announced they’re collaborating, so CentOS is now part of Red Hat itself.

openSUSE / SUSE Linux Enterprise

openSUSE is a community-created Linux distribution sponsored by Novell. Novell purchased SuSE Linux in 2003, and they still create an enterprise Linux project known as SUSE Linux Enterprise. Where Red Hat has the Fedora project that feeds into Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Novell has the openSUSE project that feeds into SUSE Linux Enterprise.

Like Fedora, openSUSE is a more bleeding edge version of Linux. SUSE was once one of the great user-friendly desktop Linux distributions, but Ubuntu eventually took that crown.

Mageia / Mandriva

Mageia is a fork of Mandriva Linux created in 2011. Mandriva — known as Mandrake before that — was once one of the great user-friendly Linux distributions.

Like Fedora and openSUSE, this is a community-created project to create an open-source Linux distribution. Mandriva SA no longer creates a consumer Linux distribution for desktop PCs, but their business Linux server projects are based on Mageia code — just like how Fedora and openSUSE provide code to their enterprise equivalents.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is more old school than many of the other Linux distributions here. It’s designed to be flexible, lightweight, minimal, and to “Keep it Simple.” Keeping it simple doesn’t mean Arch provides tons of graphical utilities and automatic configuration scripts to help you set up your system. Instead, it means Arch dispenses with that stuff and gets out of your way.

You’re in charge of configuring your system properly and installing the software you like. Arch doesn’t provide an official graphical interface for its package manager or complex graphical configuration tools. Instead, it provides clean configuration files designed for easy editing. The installation disc dumps you at a terminal, where you’ll need to enter the appropriate commands to configure your system, partition your disks, and install the operating system yourself.

Arch uses a “rolling release” model, which means any installation image is just a snapshot of the current software. Every bit of software will be updated over time without you needing to upgrade to a new “release” of Arch.

This distribution has a bit in common with Gentoo, which was popular at one time. Both Linux distributions are designed for users who know how their systems work or who are at least willing to learn. However, Arch uses binary packages while Gentoo had an (unnecessary) focus on compiling every bit of software from source — this means it’s quick to install software on Arch as you don’t have to spend CPU cycles and time waiting for software to compile.

Slackware Linux

Slackware is another institution. Founded in 1993, Slackware is the oldest Linux distribution that’s still maintained and putting out new releases today.

Its pedigree shows — like Arch, Slackware dispenses with all those unnecessary graphical tools and automatic configuration scripts. There’s no graphical installation procedure — you’ll have to partition your disk manually and then run the setup program. Slackware boots to a command-line environment by default. It’s a very conservative Linux distribution.

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is another fairly well-known Linux distribution. Previous versions have been built on Ubuntu, but the latest is built on Slackware. Puppy is designed to be a small, lightweight operating system that can run well on very old computers. The puppy ISO file is 161 MB, and Puppy can boot from that disc in a live environment. Puppy can run on PCs with 256 MB or RAM, although it does recommend 512 MB for the best experience.

Puppy isn’t the most modern and doesn’t have all the flashiest bells and whistles, but it can help you revive an old PC.

These aren’t the only Linux distributions out there. Distrowatch lists many and tries to rank them by popularity.

For more detainled list of linux distibutions click here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions 

WHAT ARE BLOGS

What are blogs For notes click here
What is men by educational blogs For notes click here
More notes on Blogs For notes click here

Web Based learning

What is web-based learning?

FOR MORE NOTES CLICK HERE-pdf

Web-based learning has got much attention as being an incredible opportunity to study nowadays. Despite of its popularity the notion still remains unclear and confusing.

What is web-based learning? First of all it has many names. You have probably heard the following terms: online learning, e-learning, computer-based training, technology-based instruction etc. Generally the meaning and the basic concept of them are the same. Web-based learning is one way to learn, using web-based technologies or tools in a learning process. In other words, learner uses mainly computers to interact with the teacher, other students and learning material.Web-based learning consists of technology that supports traditional classroom training and online learning environments. "Pure" web-based courses are wholly based on computer and online possibilities. In this case all the communication and learning activities are done online. On the other hand, web-based courses may have some face-to-face sessions besides the distant learning tasks. In this case they are called blended courses as they blend web-based activities with face-to-face activities.

Web-based learning can be also formal or informal. Formal web-based learning is purposed and learning activities are organised by teachers. Informal learning takes place while you are searching material from the Internet. It is self-paced, depending on your goals and ambition to learn.

What is different in web-based learning?

Think about what traditional learning is and what web-based learning is. In your opinion, what are the differences and similarities between them?

Generally, web-based learning and traditional learning are similar in terms of desired goals: to acquire new knowledge and skills. In both ways the teacher is mentoring and students are doing various learning activities. Differences between them are seen when we take a closer look at learning activities and tools, teaching approaches, communication issues, etc.

  

Web-based learning - Why and What?

Rapid development of technology affords innovations also in education. Web-based learning provides many additional opportunities aside traditional way of learning. In this section we are going to talk about learning in general and learning on the web. As you might already know web-based learning is a little bit different than learning in a classroom. Studying the following sections you will learn what it is meant by web-based learning and how it differs from traditional, classroom learning. Furthermore, every innovation has some drawbacks as well as advantages. In this section we are going to discuss some common and widespread issues you should take into account while studying on the web.

The term "learning" has many definitions. Commonly, learning is understood as a continuous process through lifetime. People experience and perceive everyday something new in different situations. In other words, they learn. Definition of learning stresses the importance of behavioural changes and changes in attitudes as a result of experience. Learning is a cognitive process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience or teaching. Learning can take place as organized and purposed activities, such as learning in a classroom with a teacher and ready-made learning material or unconsciously, without you being aware of the process of learning. For example, if you touch a hot pan and get burned, next time you will know that you should not do this again. You have learned from your experiences to stay away from hot things.

Difference between web-based learning and traditional learning

The biggest difference between web-based learning and traditional learning is in communication issues. Web-based learning offers many opportunities for interaction with both fellow students and instructors. Communication can take place via various communication tools such as e-mail, telephone, chat etc. In a traditional way of learning communication and interaction take place mostly at the same time and place as face-to-face meetings. You can learnmore about communication on the web in the fourth part of this material.

Due to the distance between the teacher and students in a web-based learning new learning and teaching approaches are needed. Web-based learning enables learner-centred approach. Learning is seen as an active construction of meaning. The main idea behind teaching is to guide and facilitate learning. Group work and independent learning are at the same time the key words of web-based learning. In traditional learning teacher-centred approach is more common, teacher giving/providing knowledge and students passively receiving it.

Prerequisite for using new approaches is changes of roles of teachers and students. In web-based learning, the teacher is a motivator who encourages and supports students in independent and group work activities. Teacher should be an organiser who plans learning activities to support students in learning process. In addition, teacher has to be a mentor who guides and tutors students through learning material and learning tasks. Students are active in their learning process. Students should construct their own knowledge and organise their learning. Furthermore, they should be able to adopt new technology-based learning tools and approaches.

As a result from new teaching and learning approaches student assessment in web-based courses is also different. In a classroom setting it is usual to have an oral or written exam after the course. The most popular ways to assess students in web-based learning are:

• discussion forums, where teacher can observe the student's active participation;
• online multiple choice test, where you can do (self)test;
• e-portfolio, where you have collected all your material and assignments electronically during the course;
• report or essay, where you can analyse and express your comprehension based on the content of the course.

Assessments are carried out mainly by tutors or computer. In web-based learning also self- and peer assessment have become popular ways of evaluating students' progress.

Web-based learning assumes different learning tools compared to classroom learning. Modern technology (computers, CD, audio, video, PDA, mobile) is used to create suitable learning environments, disseminate information and carry out various learning activities.

Taking part in web-based courses requires certain skills to be successful. Motivated and independent learners will handle web-based learning better. Knowledge and skills related to the use of computers and their devices are also prerequisites for successful web-based learning. Nevertheless, fortunately all these skills are acquirable

Web-based learning - good or bad?

Web-based learning has both advantages and disadvantages. When comparing them, one can notice that the same factors can be advantages as well as disadvantages depending on the context. Below some factors are described.

Factor	Advantages	Disadvantages
Learning theories and approaches	New learning theories and approaches enable to learn and teach in a more effective way. Students can experience a sense of equality. Course work and challenging assignments are stimulating for knowledge building.	Teachers and learners have to adopt new learning theories and approaches. Role changes of teachers and learners may cause frustration and confusion. Without the common structures of a traditional class, students may feel lost or confused about course activities and deadlines.
Independent and learner centred learning	Students can work at their own pace, when they want. Web-based learning enables to study more deeply areas of interest. It encourages exploring material on your own and enables to skip over materials already mastered. Web-based learning supports personalised learning and is self-directed. It builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning.	Learners who are not self-motivated, self-directed and independent are not able to plan their own learning and may have problems. Material and assignment instructions might be too complicated to understand independently. Some of the students may lose motivation without certain deadlines. Independent learning requires certain skills: technological, communication skills, self-motivation and effective study habits.
Flexibility	Web-based learning enables to join discussions at any hour and encourages also those who don't like to speak. It facilitates learning through a variety of activities. Learners have access to courses, which enables to reduce travel time and costs.	Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind. They may have difficulties in organizing their learning.
Interaction	Web-based learning provides interaction between students and instructors. Students can share their ideas with other students, which may help to understand the material better.	Prohibits those who are not active learners in a group. Human contact is missing as interaction is relied on electronic communication.
Access to material	Students can study anywhere and anytime if they have an access to computer and Internet. Web-based learning provides continual and also direct access to materials, resources in many different formats and of good quality.	Problems with technology might prevent the access: low speed connection, difficulties to download information, problems with communication tools. Some courses and materials might be out of date. There may be lack of quality control.
Contact with instructors	Working on the web offers an opportunity to communicate with students using e-mail, discussion boards etc. Teachers receive students' work quickly and they provide timely feedback to students' questions.	Teachers are overloaded with students and their contacts. Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates. Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help.
Use of technology	When you learn to use one browser and certain software, you will probably be able to use other browsers and software as well. Some of the software and web browsers are free of charge on the internet. Web-based learning develops knowledge of the Internet and computer skills that help learners throughout their lives and careers.	Managing computer files and online learning software can be complex for students with beginner-level computer skills. Poor usability may cause troubles with navigation, computers crash or have viruses, impossible to send mails. Software and access to the Internet and e-mail is not free all the time

The list is not complete. Likewise, the advantages and disadvantages mentioned above are disputable and in many cases solvable. Which of the aforementioned aspects you have already experienced as an advantage or disadvantage?

Study Methods on the Web

Studying on the Web requires somewhat different study methods and techniques from "normal" classroom studying or attending to lectures. This part of the material gives you an overlook on different ways to study on the web and on the skills especially relevant to web-based learning.

The differences between web-based learning and traditional learning were described in the "Web-based learning - what and why?" part of this material. It might be a good idea to take a look at that part before reading through this part.

Web-based learning may sound very attractive, as it is possible to study either at home, at work or some other place with a computer and connection to the web, any time that suits you. It is true that web-based learning saves you the time and energy needed to attend the lectures. However, this does not necessarily mean that studying is going to be any easier - the time you used to spend on lectures is needed for independent studies with learning material on the web, with various exercises, assignments and queries as well as for collaborative work with other students, for web-based discussions etc.

Web-based learning means, for a large part, working independently and alone, with a computer and books or some other written or visual material. However, it may - and probably will - also include communication and collaboration with the trainer, tutors and other students. Communication and collaboration on the web is somewhat different from face-to-face situations, so you will need to know some basic things about the acting on the web to make this kind of action successful. Every student has an influence on how well grouping and the feeling of being together with others are realised.Communication, as well as many of the exercises and assignments, requires writing skills and information literacy, so they are introduced as well.

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