Abstract

The Web has caught the attention of many educators as an efficient communication medium and content delivery system. But we feel there is another aspect of the Web that has not been given the attention it deserves. We call this aspect of the Web its "component architecture." Briefly it means that on the Web one can develop very complex applications, not from scratch, but rather by mixing and matching a selected array of specialized modules. We argue that this component architecture allows us to easily and inexpensively develop complex, diverse, dynamic, and pedagogically sound educational software. Additionally this component architecture changes the way teachers think about and teach with technology. It also has implications for how we teach the next generation of educational technology designers. In this article we discuss the advantages of the Web as a component framework for educational software development by examining three web-based learning environments. The three environments are different in many ways and were developed on different computer platforms, but all took advantage of the component architecture of the Web. We also explore the implications of the component concept for teachers and educational technologists.

Citation

Ferdig, R.E., Mishra, P. & Zhao, Y. (2004). Component Architectures and Web-based Learning Environments. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 15(1), 75-90. Norfolk, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved June 8, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/12787/.

© 2004 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

Keywords

• Educational Technology
• html
• javascript
• Software
• webbased learning