The making of CourseMaker, a web-based shell program which can be set up by the teacher to run online courses

Abstract

CourseMaker is an HTML shell program which was developed by the presenter as part of a Ph.D. research project on CAI/written composition, but which can be used for a variety of other instructional purposes. CourseMaker contains many of the elements of the traditional classroom translated into the electronic medium, and can be set up by teachers to run a variety of courses in either academic or non-formal subjects, along with any instructions, lesson materials or notes they may wish to include. It has features such as lesson links and pop-up boxes which make it possible to layer and cross-link teaching materials and resources either on CourseMaker itself or the Internet. CourseMaker also provides for input by students, who can continue with a course at any stage or level, and can choose which course or lesson to access as needed. Setting up courses on CourseMaker does not require knowledge of computer programming: courses can be set up by the teacher to suit different academic contexts, purposes and student target groups. CourseMaker is not a commercial product but research output which is thought to have educational potential when used either as or in conjunction with a web-based learning programme.