Improving co-learner interactions through web based online assessments within distant learning settings

Distance education technologies have come into prominence during the last two decades of the 20th century. Propagation of these technologies, software development and methods of computer aided assessments have been fuelled by the advances in the Internet as a platform by which the various courses can be delivered. Web based tools, which are both classed as synchronous (using same time communications) and asynchronous (communications that do not require participants to exchange information at the same time) are being used for the purpose of delivering the DL courses. Although some of the tools utilised in these courses have the capability not only to communicate but address issues such as facilitating virtual tutor - learner interaction whilst achieving the intended learning outcomes, they are not utilised to its full potential. At the School of the Built Environment (SOBE) most of its Masters programmes are delivered via the distance learning mode and this area is given significant prominence in its teaching portfolio. This project investigates improving co-learner interactions within distance learning settings with the use of both formative and summative assessment methods available on web based DL tools