This thesis presents a study on courseware systems for distance learning in terms of technical, pedagogical, organizational aspects. The proposed courseware system is based on the concept of integrating both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes. A distance learning scenario demanding the combination of two very distinctive synchronous learning modes (Remote Lecture Room and Internet Home Lecture) is elaborated. An implementation tackling the difficulties discovered in such scenario is described. A new technique applied in asynchronous learning to motivate students to actively participate in the learning process is suggested. The CyberU project, which offers HKUST courses to secondary school students, has been used as a platform for testing the ideas proposed in this thesis. We re...[ Read more ]

This thesis presents a study on courseware systems for distance learning in terms of technical, pedagogical, organizational aspects. The proposed courseware system is based on the concept of integrating both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes. A distance learning scenario demanding the combination of two very distinctive synchronous learning modes (Remote Lecture Room and Internet Home Lecture) is elaborated. An implementation tackling the difficulties discovered in such scenario is described. A new technique applied in asynchronous learning to motivate students to actively participate in the learning process is suggested. The CyberU project, which offers HKUST courses to secondary school students, has been used as a platform for testing the ideas proposed in this thesis. We regularly transmitted a lecture with various multimedia courseware materials from a specially equipped lecture room in the university to remote centers and households using Internet broadband services.