Three programs take the lead in the first wave of “E-Learning Master Program ” in Taiwan; one of them is offered by TKU’s Department of Educational Technology. A first face-to-face lecture took place on March 4th, and a simultaneous Internet class was taught last Thursday (March 8).

Sho-wen Chen, the class leader, commented that learning through the Internet was a brand new experience and all students actively participated in class discussion. But because of the unfamiliarity with the system, they came across some difficulties including disconnections during discussions. Fortunately, professors, teaching assistants and technicians instantly provided their assistance that made her feel much moved.

This program is open to 20 qualified high and elementary school teachers serving more than two years. Shi-ming Huang, the oldest student born in 1955, missed opportunities of advanced study because of the illness. He indicated, “I’m older than my teachers! It’s good to have lifelong learning through the Internet.”

Chair of Dept. of Education Technology, Shih-chung Lee, found out that most students come from the administrative units at high and elementary schools with their own experiences for exchange; therefore, their learning involves much more than textbook knowledge. They are not like undergraduates, who rely on the materials provided by professors; instead, they are highly motivated and autonomous to acquire new knowledge.

This semester, three courses with three credits on each are offered: two are conducted through the Internet, one is practical teaching, and all including both the Internet and face-to-face activities. Students are attracted by the flexibility of the Internet courses, which, in sharp contrast to traditional classes, are designed with higher amount of reports and assignments to evaluate students’ learning effects since they do not meet professors very often. Huang said that he is not quite accustomed and wished that the amount of assignments be reduced. He also said that it is too much to prepare his own regular teaching and concentrate on doing assignments at the same time. ( ~Han-yu Huang )