Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
spondence among the learners (Vorides, Sanchez-
Alonso, Mitropoulou & Nickmans, 2007), there are
other communication tools like instant messaging,
live chat and discussion forums. Communication
tools are better used in conjunction with the course
instead of as a standalone service. Diplek offers
three kinds of communication tools: integrated
messaging tool, live chat and email. The email tool
is offered as a web service whereas the other two
are integrated inside the platform and can be used
without the existence of an internet connection.
vate. The way this tool works is similar to that of
the email service, but instead of email addresses,
users only have to know the username of the user
that they want to communicate with. Also, this
tool does not require the existence of an internet
connection.
All communication logs are available to the
user through a centralized system. This system
gives the ability to the user to delete, create and
check for new messages. An instructor has the
ability to send a message to the whole classroom
or to a specific user whereas a learner has only
the ability to send a message to a specific user
(learner or instructor).
Live Chat
Live Chat (or instantaneous mail) allows a real time
discussion between all members of the platform.
This is an exciting way for learners to commu-
nicate directly with each other in real time, and
a unique way for instructors to answer learners'
questions during office hours. Live chat discus-
sions can be archived for later review. Diplek does
not require complex setup of chat space and the
tool is ready for use when a user selects the chat
option. All conversations in the room are public
so that everyone can watch and participate.
An instructor can use this tool to give guidance
to learners from distance while they are watching
a presentation or working on a project. This way,
all learners get the same information and can ask
questions that everyone can see. The use of this
tool is needed in order to build a collaborative
community that each user learns from the other.
This tool is not recommended to be used for
personal messages since every one that is in the
room can see the message. For that purpose another
tool can be used called 'My Mail'. This tool is
a simple messaging system for all the users that
have access to the platform.
A Usage Scenario
The local water board of a Greek town decided
to apply new and more efficient techniques in
water pipe connections. In order to apply those
techniques on a right manner, the organization
contacted a British company that specializes in
pipe mending techniques. The British company
decided to offer a six hour distance training ses-
sion for the Greek organization staff.
Due to the short time available, the British
company agreed to use Diplek LMS for course
delivery and support. Mr Smith is the professional
expert responsible for the training course. He gath-
ers some video of field work done on pipe mending
and some documents including specs, technical
requirements and best practice. After reading
Diplek's usage manual and taking a little practice
on his own, he starts by creating a user account
on the platform. Then he creates a course and a
class by using the wizards available. To speed up
the process he imports all learning material (video
and documents) and creates a single presentation
with three units. Each presentation unit represents
a step on the pipe mending procedure and includes
both video and documents. To be prepared for
the course he creates six learner accounts for the
Greek organization personnel and enrolls them in
the course and class previously created.
My Mail
A less exciting but still as useful as the live chat
tool, is the 'My mail' service. This tool is needed
for users to communicate with each other in pri-
Search WWH ::
Custom Search