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ECU Web Classifications
When incorporating a web site for your unit, you will need to decide on the functionality you want your site to have, and the kind of online experience you would like to provide to students.
Currently ECU classifies web units/courses in three ways:
Web-enhanced course (ECU Mode A) |
A Web-enhanced unit "uses Web technology and services to support distribution of course materials and student access to the resources on the Web". Web-enhancement by publishing unit resources online removes the need for printed notes and handouts, while facilitating communication between teaching staff and students. The web component is supplementary and it is not compulsory for students to access the site in order to complete the requirements of the unit. "It can also be an evolutionary step away from the current classroom-centric model" (University of Texas).
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Web-dependent course (ECU Mode B) |
A Web-dependent unit (or web-centric course) "makes significant use of Web technology to facilitate access to class materials and support communication between faculty and students, among students, and between students and resources. A key characteristic of a Web-centric course is that the communication hub of a course has shifted from the physical classroom" (University of Texas) or print-based materials to the collaborative Web environment. The online learning environment forms an essential component of the unit.
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Fully Online (ECU Mode C) |
A fully online unit is conducted entirely on the Web and students can access their online learning environment from anywhere and at any time, using their Internet connection and a Web browser. Fully online units/courses do not require students to attend lectures or to participate at specific localities, nor do they involve mailout of resources to off-campus or distance students. All learning resources are accessible online and the online learning environment provides for communication as well as collaborative learning activities.
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(Adapted from a similar classification by the University of Texas available at http://www.utexas.edu/cc/blackboard/tutorials/bblevels/) |