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SITE PURPOSE
As new online tool suites such as WebCT and CourseInfo are introduced across campus, it is important to consider how the various tool features within these systems can be used to support teaching and learning (e.g., discussion boards, chat rooms, electronic groups). In a Fall 1999 Educational Technologies survey of CourseInfo users on campus, faculty requested such advice. This site represents one response to these requests.

This web site is designed to help Virginia Tech faculty effectively utilize online course tools in their classroom. The purpose for the site is not to train faculty how to use the mechanics of various computer tools. Educational Technologies' Online Course Support team provides that service. Rather, this site provides examples of how online course tools can be used in the classroom to benefit learning.

ABOUT COMPUTER TOOLS
Computer tools serve a variety of functions as outlined in the taxonomy below (Hannafin, Land, & Oliver, 1999). This site will focus on those tools commonly found in existing tool suites on campus (†). To date, WebCT, CourseInfo, and other tool suites do not contain the full range of functions possible, although they are expected to improve.
Specific Tools Enable Students to...
search engines, indexes, site maps seek information
bookmarking, cut & paste collect information
software to construct tables, charts, diagrams, timelines, concept maps organize information
note-taking, annotating resources integrate external information alongside what the student already knows
HTML text editors, web page generators, video editors, word processors generate new information, projects, products
simulations, microworlds manipulate information, rapidly test and revise personal theories and hypotheses
(†) e-mail, listservs, discussion boards, distance conferencing, chat rooms discuss and debate information, critique ideas, provide mentoring
(†) digital drop boxes, file sharing, collaborative web editing, "groupware" collaborate on shared task
(†) quizzing, drill and practice assess progress
directions, instructions, strategic advice, action or goal manager ask for help or guidance, plan appropriate tactics
color filtration, screen magnification, text-to-braille scan converters, audio frequency modifiers, captions access information without regard to original format

For More Information Contact John Moore