The Study Of Web-based Learning Environment In The U.S.

The dramatic advances in the power of personal computers and the explosive growth of the Internet in recent years have revolutionized the way students and teachers view technology in education. These technological advances have made it possible to produce educational materials and transmit them over the web. Many higher institutions, companies, k-12 schools and vocational school all develop web-based courses themselves. Today, there are 1.9 million e-learning students in U.S.A. and more than 2.0 million in China. Web-based learning environment (WLE) is an importance element to improve the e-learning outcome. WLE is "the consistent entity of hardware, software and educational content that supports the learning process and the communication about that learning process, while using the WWW". WLE is characterized by opening, student autonomy, interactive, student-centered, education equality and learning costing saving, etc.The theories that the study of web-based learning environment based on included constructivist theories, situated theories and Multiple Intelligences theories. Based on those theories, some design methodologies were introduced, including conceptual models in information systems design, educational systems design methodologies, constructivist educational systems design and rapid prototyping methodology. Two main aspects—technology environment and social environment—were considered in the design of WBL. On the one hand, visual design and e-learning platform development belong to the technology environment design. On the other hand, the importance of the social environment design is interactive and cultural elements. The guidelines for the process of designing WBL consist of four phases: planning, designing, production and maintenance. In the management and evaluation part, the learning guidelines were introduced firstly. Then the student support service that is the core of the management of WLE was discussed. And finally, the evaluation principles, framework and standards of WLE were provided.At present, many problems have been found in the existing WLE of China. Borrowing the experience of America is the goal of studying the WLE of U.S.A. Two revelations that resulted from the study of WLE were the creation of interactive learning environment and new student support services.