Abstract
Dr. Howard Kaplan, Director of Educational Computing and the Technology Learning Center at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, compares two approaches for developing Web courses: off-the-shelf component software and integrated packages. Kaplan explains how off-the-shelf component software allow faculty to mimic the style of the typical classroom, particularly through the use of the audio slide/lecture, course materials, discussion groups, and testing. The article also cites the differences in cost and training aspects of off-the-shelf components and integrated packages.