Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

JRCE, Volume 33, Number 1, Fall 2000

David Mioduser, Rafi Nachmias, Orly Lahav, and Avigail Oren
Tel-Aviv University

Abstract

The Web is a firmly established, though virtual, reality. Educators, well aware of the potential of the technology, have adopted it for creating new Web-based learning environments. This article presents a study of the characteristics of Web sites as teaching and learning environments. The major questions addressed in this study were:

1. What characterizes educational Web sites at the content, teaching, learning and communication levels?
2. How do key teaching and learning issues appearing on educational Web sites relate to educators’ expectations from the new technology?
3. What can a consideration of the current state of affairs teach us about further development and implementation of educational Web sites?

To answer these questions we developed a classification scheme (the Taxonomy of WBLE); implemented it for the study of 436 educational Web sites focusing on mathematics, science, and technology learning; and elaborated on practical implications of the study’s results. The overall picture we have unveiled may sound disappointing, and it can be summarized as “one step ahead for the technology, two steps back for the pedagogy.” But a thoughtful discussion of the results suggests directions for the research and development of novel Web-based educational models. Results indicate that many educational Web sites are still predominantly text-based and do not yet exhibit evidence of current pedagogical approaches (e.g., use of inquiry-based activities, application of constructivist learning principles, and use of alternative evaluation methods). Suggestions for future WBLE development are provided.

Web Resources
Note: These links were valid when this page was posted. However, the Web is very volatile, and ISTE has no control over outside Web sites. Please let us know if you find a broken link or if you have an update for a link.

Virtual High School: http://vhs.concord.org

World Lecture Hall: www.utexas.edu/world/lecture

WBL Links: www.tau.ac.il/~ktltau/wbl/wbl_data.html

Contributors

David Mioduser is a senior lecturer in the School of Education at Tel-Aviv University. He is currently heading the graduate program of computer and communication in education. His major research areas are learning with information and communication technologies (ICT) and technology education.

Rafi Nachmias is a senior lecturer in the School of Education at Tel-Aviv University. His major research areas are Web-based learning, evaluation of ICT in education, and integrating ICT into mathematics and science education.

Orly Lahav is a doctoral student in the School of Education at Tel-Aviv University. Her work focuses on ICT and special education.

Avigail Oren is an adjunct lecturer in the School of Education at Tel-Aviv University. Her major research areas are learning within virtual environments and ICT in history education.

Address: Dr. David Mioduser, School of Education, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978 Israel; miodu@post.tau.ac.il.

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