We chose WebCT because of the flexibility and customisability it offered. Learning materials can be created easily by experienced web developers and novices. Our second report will discuss WebCT and other VLEs in greater detail. Whereas some packages allowed no customisation, WebCT allowed us to include or discard individual tools and features as required. As with the online course, the courses offered within the Study Centre were not accredited.
Users register to access a course or courses and are given a username and password.
This initially provided users with access to individual courses and to the relevant course discussion forum. This was changed slightly so that registration provided access to all courses. Participants have to motivate themselves to complete the course - there is no tutor initiating discussions on specific topics at specific times. In this way, the materials are entirely self-paced and resemble open learning. The Online Study Centre was expected to perform a dual role - that of providing access to our materials, and also to serve as a test bed for us to investigate how different course structures and different content could be fitted into a standard template.