Applied formative evaluation in the webbased environment.

The use of the Internet and specifically the World, Wide Web (Web) as a media for collaboration and problem-solving is an evolving solution to the problem of increasing numbers of students in the university setting. A variety of virtual universities are appearing on the Web to address this dilemma. There are gaps, however, in these Systems which do not meet the needs of the participants. This research examines the use of applied formative evaluation (feedback) methodologies and protocols, used between the stakeholders of a web-based learning environment, to facilitate the learning process.
Principles are established to guide the learning environment designer (LED), the mediator between the subject expert (SE) or teacher and the interactive multimedia web-based design team, in creating a student-centred learning space on the web. The principles and protocols developed in this research are illustrated through the D E L B E R T (Digital Environment Learning-Based Evaluation Response Theory) Tutorial system. This web-based collaborative, problem-solving seminar makes use of on-line tools such as; e-mail, H T M L forms, Javascript and video conferencing to promote communication through a guided-discovery delivery methodology. The case studies conducted with the system support the methodologies proposed in this thesis.
Telecommunication in the area of educational technology is a rapidly changing field. Therefore, the focus of this research is not in the development of software or programming which may be out of date before its implementation. Instead, this research contributes to the design process of a web-based educational environment. The principles and protocols are aimed at supporting the applied formative evaluation methodology between the participants in the on-line learning process. In this way the research can be adapted to new technologies, beyond those adapted to the D E L B E RT Tutorial system, thus, not limiting itself as a contribution to the science of educational technology.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy.