Online Learning Environments: A Collaborative Education Project in Math, Science, and Communications

Washington State University, Pullman WA

Investigators

Abstract

Interdisciplinary (99) This "Proof of Concept" project is creating, developing, and pilot testing the "Online Learning Environments (OLE)" system, a server-side software infrastructure to support local and distance educational opportunities for, and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among students. The project involves faculty from several departments, including Chemistry, Mathematics, Communications, and English. In addition, scientists and programmers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are collaborating on aspects of the software design and application development using the Pachelbel technology developed at PNNL. Web-based learning modules in organic chemistry and calculus are being used by students in the pilot phase, and student progress through the modules is being monitored as part of the evaluation plan. The impact of the learning modules and the online environment on student learning is also being assessed using tools from the "Flashlight" project sponsored by the AAHE-affiliated Teaching, Learning, and Technology Roundtable Group.