Developing on-line learning materials for higher education: An overview of current issues

The changing roles and challenges for higher education and the increased productivity required of faculty are driving forces for the development of more diverse and efficient teaching methods. Educational trends are toward more learner­centered materials. In response to these trends, colleges and universities are now offering courses at a distance and in forms other than traditional delivery. On­line courseware materials may be a viable means of fulfilling these numerous requirements, but are very resource­intensive to develop. Multiple approaches to developing on­line learning have been tried, with limited success. The primary approach has been for faculty to enter their own course materials into the computer. To maximize university resources, the most effective approach for developing on­line learning materials must be determined and institutionalized. While faculty are the most logical persons to provide course content and design, faculty should not be expected to complete the technical tasks associated with developing on­line learning materials.