Theoretical foundations of a Web-based learning environment pedagogy

Emerging trends in tertiary education have seen a shift in focus from teacher-centred to learner-centred education and an increase in the use of Web-based learning environments in teaching programmes. These changes have provided impetus for the development of frameworks of teaching and learning that can be used to inform the design and use of these learning environments. These frameworks are based on learner-centred principles and reflect the need for appropriate use of the Web technology in tertiary teaching and learning settings. This report describes theories and models of learning and teaching, which are relevant to Web-based learning environments. As foreground to this discussion a brief overview of the theoretical foundations of current educational theories are provided. From this theoretical foundation, the CLC-Web Pedagogy is developed. It is proposed that this can be used as a framework to inform the design and use of Web-based learning environments.