Using webct with an off-campus diagnostic ultrasound course
Abstract
Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, offers a Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound by off-campus
distance learning (DL). These DL students are required to study under significantly different circumstances than
on-campus students. They miss the social and educational advantages of mixing with both their fellow students
and their lecturers and tutors. In an attempt to compensate for this lack of personal interaction the academic staff
involved in conducting DL courses need to find ways to encourage other forms of effective and efficient
communication. In this paper we will describe the manner in which communication with these DL students is
maintained, specifically in one subject in this Graduate Diploma, SON4000: Physics of Medical Ultrasound and
Instrumentation. A decision was made early in 2003 to use WebCT to enhance lecturer-student and studentstudent
communication and provide additional support to the students. We briefly describe the particular WebCT
tools that we have specifically chosen to support SON4000. We discuss the initial cost to staff in setting WebCT
up for a subject like SON4000, the perceived long term benefits to the teaching staff, and most importantly, the
reactions and responses of the students in accessing the WebCT site and contributing to the various
communication options. A summary of the WebCT student-tracking data and the use of the mid-semester
evaluation survey is presented.