Integrated Multimedia-Based Distance Teaching of Information Technology

Wolfgang A. Halang (Faculty of Electrical Engineering FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany)

Bernd J. Krämer (Faculty of Electrical Engineering FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany)

Jürgen Schormann (Centre for the Development of Distance Education - ZFE, FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany)

Abstract: An integrated set of four subsequent single semester courses is being developed covering information technology in great width and with strong links to technical applications. The courses will become integral parts of a distance teaching university's curricula. Combining short phases of presence with interleaved media-based self study blocks, they are also especially well-suited for continuing education. An innovative approach is taken by integrating all course elements -- acoustic and written information, diagrams and figures, animations, simulations, video clips, and laboratory exercises -- in a single electronic document. Whereas up to now all this information is only accessible on different storage media, the new multimedia teaching programmes even replace printed material.

Keywords: computer engineering, distance teaching, information technology, integrated electronic documents, multimedia

Categories: H.5