There are two basic types of technologies required to make a Web-based learning environment. They are the learner side and the instructional development/delivery side.

Instructional Development

The tools the developer uses can be as simple as using an HTML editor to write textual information, to the complexity of JAVA programming, video/audio streaming and CGI scripting. In order words they are the software/hardware pieces needed to produce the learning material.

Learner Needs

What are the hardware and software needs required for on-line learning? These needs can range, at the very least, from a browser capable of viewing written textual information, to specialized software and "internet plug-ins" for the browser. These plug-ins are specialized software packages which allow the learner to view streaming video/audio (Quicktime streaming/Realaudio), Shockwave, VRML, etc.

Since you are reading this text, then you probably have the hardware required to use the Internet for learning. Unless the audience is specialized and the instructional designer knows what type of equipment everyone has, then one must assume a low-end computing/learning environment of the student. Thus if designing for a general education audience, then assume that the learner only has access to a browser such as Netscape, ICap, or Explorer, computer hardware consisting of at least a 13" monitor, 32 mb of RAM, a hard drive, and a CD-ROM.

Delivering the Instruction

At the very least the developer needs a computer system with sufficient RAM, disk space, hardware, cables, operating systems, `etc. to have a fully functional learning environment. It is not the intent of this site to go into the various protocols and design set ups that allow one to deliver the instruction. Just be aware of the equipment requirements which are based upon your instructional goals.

Don't assume that the general education audience knows the different types of plug-ins and how to install them. If the design of the course requires special plug-ins in order to deliver the course effectively, be prepare to provide students with the instruction and the support required for the special software.

You might what to study the Yale Style Guide for web design. This guide is an excellent resource in the mechanics of good web-design.

As a final note, be aware that Macintosh and PC computers display their information differently. Be aware that browsers display information differently. So the web-site you designed on your Window PC machine running Internet Explorer will not look as you intended, on a Macintosh running Netscape. Macintosh monitors display information at 72 ppi (pixels per inch) were as PC monitors display the information at 96 ppi.