All objectives of the original learning contract will have been met as soon as I post this status report and my project reflection later today. Working with WebCT took a little more time than I had expected, but this wasn't a big problem since I started working on the WebCT course prototype sooner than originally planned.
The following items have been completed:
The following item must still be completed:
As stated in the previous status report, the design of an online version of CIS 123 has prompted a review of exactly how this course and our Introduction to Computers (CIS 101) course fit together into the curriculum. I have already solicited and received some student feedback on this issue.
The WebCT interface for designers is much more cumbersome than I had imagined. Although WebCT has some very useful tools, putting material on the web and getting it structured the way I want can be expected to take much longer than it has in the past. In addition, certain types of structure and presentation will not be practical or possible. Since it is unlikely that WebCT will change quickly enough to meet my needs, I am expecting to create much of my coursework outside of WebCT, place it on a server external to the school's, and use the WebCT portion of my courses for some basic tools such as user authentication, discussion forums, and online grades. I will not be trying to do this immediately, however, so the online prototype of CIS 123 is indeed indicative of what it will look like the first time it is taught in Spring 2005.