MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Advancements in TEL8 Teaching and Communication via Web-Based Technology
Authors:	Jay Puckett and Eugene Wilson
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	Oct 1997
Report #:	MPC-97-85
TRID #:	00744554
Keywords:	bridge engineering, communications, distance learning, education, websites (information retrieval)

Abstract

The principal investigators addressed many aspects of distance learning in a recently taught TEL8 course on bridge engineering. Their efforts are outlined in this report with respect to this course. The fruit of their effort is a better and more technologically advanced method of coupling TEL8 courses with the use of world-web technology. Instructor evaluations indicate that the online forum was particularly effective and should be used in the future. The development of on-line courses in the manner described requires a significant effort — much more than a traditional course. Appropriate compensation, teaching schedules, and recognition should be considered in the long term for the TEL8 system to remain a viable education media for college classes. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find instructors willing to dedicate the time necessary to make online courses the best that they can be.