Each learning setting has different needs.Some want the flexibility of online learning from anywhere at anytime with automatic updates and the simplicity of distributing a six-digit number for user login. Facilitators may login remotely to check student activity reports with a secure password.
Some do not want or cannot provide online learning and choose to load the learning software on their server or even individual computers. The learning management system is stored locally. Upgrades are available at the discretion of the customer for a nominal charge.
It's whatever works best in YOUR situation. The goal is that students learn.
I wrote an interactive course text that covers Linear Programming for my quantitative business students. I wrote it in Excel, since the students eventually end up using the Excel solver. My text leads them by the hand through 2 variable LP geometric solutions and sensitivity concepts. (The development involved writing a very special graphing tool in VBA). So, in my case, I addressed the students laptops and classroom lab computers.
ReplyDeleteI guess I could port my text over to the web, but I don't see the advantage of it. Everyone that has a laptop has Excel, however many do not have good WiFi connections - besides that, most just use the text in the classroom labs. However, the web is certainly better for supplying updated, current content.
More important though, is that it's rare to use software on the web as a tool in a real business environment - for which I also prepare the student.