Resumen de eLearning Courseware Development: Experiences And Lessons Learned From AU-PLUS System
In response to the rapidly expanding demand for online education in Thailand, College of Internet Distance Education (CIDE), Assumption University, with the partnership with Samart Telecoms, Thailand, has launched a new eLearning system entitled “AU-PLUS.” This system has been used for its on-line Master’s degree in Management program since January 2006. Gaining familiarity with new eLearning tools, such as AU-PLUS system, is a challenging process for three parties involved with the usage of this AU-PLUS system: a content expert, a production team, and a facilitating instructor. The roles of these three parties must be clearly stated and all processes from the introductory stage of the courseware development to its final stage of production must be well organized. In addition, a good understanding of the concept of eLearning with appropriate tools is vital for producing an effective courseware for learners. The existing eLearning systems can be broadly categorized into two major components: first, the content section, and second, the activity section. It is also recommended by the author of this paper that the interaction, and collaboration of these two components take up interesting forms and thus need to be promoted. This paper presents information based on the author’s personal experiences with courseware developmental at CIDE and also lessons learned from “AU-PLUS” system. The information includes, first, the roles and responsibilities of those involved, second, the courseware development process -- from the introductory stages to its final stage of production, and third, the concept of eLearning systems. Recommendation concerning the usage of “AU-PLUS” in eLearning environment has also been remarked.
