John Findlay

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John Findlay
Department of History
University of Washington, Seattle Campus

The Story of a Web Convert

John Findlay never expected to like the Web very much. Teaching a course on the History of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, Professor John Findlay was encouraged to make his course materials available on the Web. He was an Internet novice, but with support from CTLT and CARTAH, he created a set of online lectures and learning resources for his students. Initially, he believed

"Now I aim to integrate Web sites, newsgroups, an online syllabus, and other electronic media into all my undergraduate courses."

distance-learners were his primary online audience, but he soon found his students on campus wanted access to the material as well. The Northwest history course materials were added to a larger Web site devoted to regional history that is maintained by the Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest in the Department of History.

Within Arm's Reach

Offering the syllabus and course content online helped his students study at home. Findlay also linked to online versions of readings, providing his students access to unique material that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to circulate.

Findlay finds that many of his students seem more interested in the course material when it is presented online, and he is glad to take advantage of this way of sparking students' interest. "They find value in it that I think enriches the learning experience," Findlay says. Student response has been favorable and convincing.

A Healthy Balance

Using the Web for course materials is not trouble-free, however. Findlay worries that students rely too much on the Web for information, yet he appreciates the benefits of online access. For class assignments, he encourages his students to go to the library for much of their research. He also admits that some students may skip class if they believe lecture notes can be found online. But, he adds, those are the same students who are likely to skip class regardless of technology, relying on the textbook or friends' notes.

Overall, Findlay views the Web as a useful method of providing information to students. He plans to revise his lectures to better suit his mixed on-campus and distance learning audience. He is also using email and electronic discussion forums in his courses.

by Molly Vogt, February 1999