| dc.description.abstract | This paper describes an integrated instructional model for
integrating web-based instruction and classroom teaching
in educational institutions in the Caribbean. Two studies
are presented: one, a 1-semester Computer Science course
for students at university level and the other, a 2-year
course in Information Technology designed for secondary
school students across the Caribbean. In each case, webbased
and classroom teaching are woven into each other
seamlessly throughout the period of instruction to form an
integrated instructional system. The studies show that the
integrated approach facilitated more effective learning. At
university level, teaching emphasis changed from delivery
of content to one of facilitating and guiding the learning
process. The lecturer’s knowledge of the subject area
remained of critical importance to the learning outcome.
Students took more responsibility for their own learning
and for monitoring their own progress. Teaching methods
at secondary schools in the Caribbean are largely
traditional, classroom teaching. With the integrated
approach to teaching, the learning environment more
readily caters for all levels of children within a class,
allowing the teacher to provide more individual attention
to students. The web course design has to be specially
tailored to the student age group and the school environment. | |
