Establishing A Model for WWW-based Transdisciplinary Distance Learning

George Hess - Forestry Department

Bob Abt - Forestry Department

Summary

We will offer an experimental graduate course, during the Fall 1996 semester, to evaluate a use of the World Wide Web (WWW) for transdisciplinary, distance learning. Graduate students will work with faculty in a directed examination of an important issue in natural resource management. We will build a WWW-based annotated bibliography and synthesize information from several disciplines. NetForum discussions will include student responses to questions posed by the instructors, faculty at large, and by outside organizations invited to participate. Course effectiveness will be evaluated.

Budget requested: $3,000.


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Objectives

  • Evaluate the use of a WWW-based literature review, synthesis, and discussion as a transdisciplinary learning experience for students.

  • Establish a model for WWW-based distance learning.

    Approach

  • Graduate students will work with faculty in a directed, transdisciplinary examination of an important issue in natural resource management: the ecology and economics of clearcutting. We are trying to attract students from several departments within the University, including Agricultural and Resource Economics, Botany, Forestry, Soil Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, and Zoology. We are also trying to attract students from Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This course is scheduled for Fall 1996.

  • Build a WWW-based annotated bibliography, produce a synthesis of the best available information, and highlight research needs.

  • Use NetForum to pose and respond to questions.

  • Invite stakeholders (e.g., forest resource companies, conservation organizations) to review our efforts and pose questions to the class using NetForum.

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the course. We will work with an education assessment specialist to develop an appropriate and effective evaluation protocol. We have not made a final decision regarding evaluation techniques, but will use multiple measures which may include pre- and post-testing and focus groups.

    Impact

  • Establishes one model for WWW-based distance learning.

  • Gives students experience working in multi-disciplinary teams on a complex issue.

  • Exposes students to a broader range of attitudes, ideas, and questions than is possible in a traditional classroom setting.

    Budget Requested: $3,000

    Computer consulting$2,000
    Evaluation$1,000

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