Identifying the Challenges in Teaching Computer Science Topics Online

In an attempt to provide educational opportunities to the students who are working or have other constraints on their time, many universities are developing distance education programs. In the past decade, web technology has been adopted to assist learners with studying at a distance. However, distance learning in the field of computer science, such as studying programming languages, remains challenging to teach via the web medium. There is little evidence that the effectiveness of web-based learning includes a process to solve complex problems. REFERENCES IN AN ABSTRACT!? In particular it can be problematic for technical subjects to be taught online because students find it very difficult to understand the subject content and ways of demonstrating cause and effect. As a result, the subject is potentially highly technical in nature, which may impede student ability to learn independently (that is, without staff assistance) in a fully online environment. Thus, there are some questions to be answered: How do we teach online? What works and what does not Identifying the challenges to teaching computer science topics online is relevant and as yet has not been fully addressed in the research literature .As a result, this paper aims to identify the challenges to teaching computer science topics online and identify useful supports to enhance learning through the informed use of web-based e-learning. The abstract should give an overview of the paper – what it covers and its conclusion

Developing a Synchronous Web Seminar Application for Online Learning

Many higher education institutions are searching for cost effective tools for the delivery of a feature rich, synchronous online learning environment. While there are several commercially viable web conferencing products available to enhance the online education experience, they tend to be cost prohibitive and are constrained by software and network limitations. Some universities have invested heavily in products such as iLinc, Centra, and Horizon Wimba, but many academic institutions that would benefit from these products simply cannot afford them. Rowan University is currently developing a synchronous, online web conferencing application that delivers all the features of similar commercial products without the exorbitant price tag. The Rowan Virtual Meeting (RVM) System is built on Macromedia Flash Communication Server technology; a programming platform that is operating system independent, requires very little overhead to run, and has a one-time cost associated with it that is nominal compared to the cost of the available commercial web conferencing products. Using the RVM system requires no more than a computer that has Macromedia Flash Player installed and an Internet connection. Both students and faculty can participate in a synchronous, media driven online experience using audio, video, slide shows, white boards, application sharing, and more. Rowan is currently beta testing the RVM application both on and off campus. This paper will discuss the development, implementation, and the future direction of the Rowan Virtual Meeting system, and how it will be used synergistically with asynchronous applications such as WebCT and Blackboard to provide a more interactive online experience for students