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Virtual TAU (Tel Aviv University)
was launched in order to integrate advanced learning technologies,
primarily the Internet, into academic instruction.
The Virtual TAU, headed by Prof. Rafi Nachmias from the school of education
, aims to initiate and catalyze a process in which more and more faculty
members use web tools in their course instruction, in order to enrich
learning processes and to make instruction more efficient and flexible.
The course teacher, each one in his own way, designs his or her
course Website using HighLearn or Moodle as Learning Management Systems (LMS)
supporting both Hebrew and English. These LMS allow the creation of an
information tree that includes supplemental reading material,
bibliographies, Web-links, learning activities, simulations, multimedia
presentations, tests and evaluations, etc. In addition, it facilitates
mainly asynchronous communication tools (e.g., forums, on-line polls) for
the students and the instructors.
A professional support center, directed by Ms. Judith Ram, provides
training and pedagogical support to the instructors and the course
developers. The information technology & computing division provides
the technological infrastructure and support. The libraries provide the
assistance for locating books, on-line papers and digital reading
materials for the students.
A major outcome of this process is the accumulation of knowledge
about usage of advanced learning technologies by the faculty members, and
by the university in general. Therefore, to ensure an organizational
learning process, a constant effort to accumulate the knowledge of the
individuals participating and a careful design of formative and summative
evaluation are being implemented. One of the outcomes of this process is
a knowledge-base of tested Web-based educational methodologies, to be
shared by all instructors in the University.
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