USING COMPUTER-BASED LEARNING RESOURCES FOR TEACHING OVER THE INTERNET

An array of Internet-accessible asynchronous learning resources (ALRs) were developed and effectively employed for teaching both introductory and capstone “distance” courses in turfgrass science and management through the Penn State World Campus since 1998. Knowledge-based (KB) ALRs were designed to convey information and concepts, and include instructional modules and lessons. Problem-based (PB) and case-based (CB) ALRs were designed to facilitate the acquisition of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and include practicums and decision cases. Both types can be accessed at: http://turfgrass.cas.psu.edu. KB-ALRs and PB/CB-ALRs are used together to enable students to acquire subject-matter expertise in turfgrass science and operational skills in turfgrass management. While the primary objective of the introductory course (TURF 235) is the acquisition of subject-matter expertise through the lessons, practicums (simple problems) are used to provide students with practice in applying their newly acquired knowledge to problem-solving activities in five- or six-person groups. The capstone course (TURF 436) uses decision cases (CB-ALRs) and focuses on addressing complex problematic situations at technical, economic, social, and ethical levels. Student reaction to these courses has been favorable and the popularity of the program has grown to include students from all 50 states in the USA, as well as from many other countries.