Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 36 Number 1 Fall 2003

Internet-Based Instructional Activities: Not Everything Should Be On the Internet
Der-Thanq Chen
University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Angela F.L. Wong
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Jackie Jing-Fong Hsu
Collin County Community College, Texas

Abstract
In this conceptual position paper, we suggest a decision-making flowchart to help educators decide whether or not an instructional activity is most likely to be effective when conducted through the Internet. The five decision-making criteria used in the flowchart are: (a) communication modality, (b) access permissibility, (c) instruction interactivity, (d) update regularity, and (e) information readability. Three examples were discussed to illustrate how the flowchart can help make decisions. We conclude the paper by reiterating the need to counter the over-enthusiasm of exclusive use of the Internet for instruction.

Contributors
Dr Der-Thanq Chen is a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He currently leads the e-learning initiatives at the University and lectures courses in instructional technology and interactive multimedia design. His areas of research interest include online learning communities and the design of constructivist learning environments. Dr Angela F. L. Wong is an associate professor with the Instructional Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She currently lectures in teaching methodology and instructional technology, and coordinates the Practicum for all initial teacher-training programmes. Her areas of research interests include learning environments, science education, instructional technology and Practicum-related issues in teacher education. Dr. Jackie Jing-Fong Hsu is an instructional designer at Collin County Community College, Texas. Besides coordinating the Teaching Learning Center, she provides Instructional Technology (IT) workshops as well as professional consultation on instructional design and online course development to faculty. Her major research interests include distance learning, and IT with second language learning.

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Contact
Der-Thanq Chen
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch, New Zealand
victor.chen@canterbury.ac.nz

Copyright © 2003, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.