(1269) USAGE OF WEB-BASED EDUCATION TOOLS BY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 4 STUDENTS STUDYING TOWARDS BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY DEGREE IN OFFICE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

摘要

In this paper, I present the finding of an investigation into the usage of web-based education tools byBusiness Administration 4 students studying towards the Bachelor of Technology degree in OfficeManagement and Technology at Durban University of Technology. I explored three aspects: the extent to which Web-based tools can be used. preferences towards the type of Web-based tools used;;and the impact the Web will have on facilitating the growth of Educational Technology.This research investigated the use of Web-based education tools i.e. quizzes by BusinessAdministration 4 students in the Department of Information and Corporate Management to supportteaching.I have been lecturing Business Administration 4 for the past four years and I think that it is now time tochange the way the subject is delivered and my colleagues were happy with my long-term plan for theonline classroom. The subject comprises both the practical and theory components and it is possibleto blend traditional teaching and online classroom.Over the past years, great strides have been made in the confluence of Information Technology (IT)researchers and educationalists (Ely, 1995). The term Educational Technology, that addresses thisconfluence, has evolved to mean more than simply a computer in a classroom, but rather how theeducator uses technology to present material, and how students use technology to build upon thematerial (Ely, 1995).According to Gauer (2001:87), “It is vital for students to have the understanding and the skills tointerface successfully with technology.” This can be achieved by making technology a tool for skillsenhancement, information retrieval and systematic thinking (Gauer, 2001). This is especiallyapplicable in the area of web-based technologies and education. Warschauer (1996) suggests that“lecturers can enhance students' motivation by helping students gain knowledge and skills about usingcomputers, giving them ample opportunity to use electronic communication, and carefully integratingcomputer activities into the regular structure and goals of the course.” Morrall (1999) suggests thatusing the Internet as a tool for communication “can emphasize and practice research skills in findinglearning resources;;critical thinking skills in judging the reliability and usefulness of those resources;;organisational skills in analyzing information, and presentation skills in communicating informationefficiently and effectively.Over the past two decades, numerous universities around the world have implemented the use ofEducational Technology Tools to support the learning process. The use of Educational TechnologyTools to enhance education has generated considerable interest and hype, and many claim it hasrevolutionary potential for academic institutions (The Observatory, 2002). This raises the question, asto what extent these tools, and particularly web-based tools, are being used by Higher Educationinstitutions in South Africa.This research will investigates the use of Web-based education tools i.e. quizzes by BusinessAdministration 4 students in the department of Information and Corporate Management to supportteaching.