Study skills interactive Web-based training environment

Abstract

It has been acknowledged that students who reflect on their past experiences and as a result form and apply new concepts and hypothesis to present situations move from being passive learners to active doers [1]. This paper describes the design and development of a web-based application whose purpose is the provision of flexible student-centred training in study and transferable skills utilising the above concept. The system offers a suite of interactive modules whose content is designed to engage the student user and entice them to reflect on their own past experiences thus encouraging them to become more effective and efficient independent learners. To achieve this interactivity of the system the student user is required to complete various different activities such as ‘Drag & Drop’, ‘Multiple Choice’, etc that requires them to contemplate upon their own familiarity before they make their choice. The system also encourages collaborative and peer-supported learning by offering a discussion forum that enables students to share ideas and experiences.