International aspects of communication technologies as a tool for learning

There is a belief in the education community that the traditional teaching-learning models do not scale to meet the new challenges created by emerging technologies in every nation. Educational institutions are looking for ways to reach students when faced with increased competitions, shifting demographics, and delivering education to isolated areas. One way this problem has been tackled is through communications technologies as a mean to enhance flexible delivery and student learning on-line. As Internet has become a way of life, web-based educational course management systems have become popular. WebCT, BlackBoard, and ANGEL are among few popular learning web-based tools. These tools enable faculty to post documents and files, securely post grades, track students' activities, interact with their students through e-mail and instant messaging. In addition, students can also use these tools to engage in group work and collaboration, online note-taking, take practice quizzes with immediate feedback, keep up progress tracking, and constant access to grade information at the instructor's discretion. The focus of these web-based tools is to aid instructors develop meaningful learning experiences and improve learning outcomes which will aid students in their course. The objective of this paper is to present the advantages and disadvantages of these three common types of computerized tools used on-line in reaching customers and institutions of higher learning around the world. Moreover, this paper will help individual faculty members and instructional designers who are considering course management systems. The results of this study indicated that using these web-based tools assisted both distance and on-campus students and their learning levels are comparable.