Web-based learning in engineering education: A portal for teaching of construction contracts

For educators at university level, acquiring new information to prepare and design creative courses is a key to ensure the attractiveness and effectiveness of academic programmes. Nevertheless, educators are also expected to participate in value-added training such as education conferences, workshops, language and interpersonal skills seminars, and other continuing professional development-related activities. Furthermore, much time is also needed for research and administrative works. As such, less time is now available for discussion with students and out-classroom interactions. Indeed, effective learning requires active participation, peer supports and interactions. The diminishing traditional face-to-face interactions make it less contributive towards the provision of an active learning environment. This deficiency can be improved by using Web-based teaching/ learning. This paper presents a Web-based learning package, called the Construction Contracts Information Service (CCIS), for the teaching of construction contracts for Construction Engineering students. The design and contents of the website was based on Mishra's on-line course framework which has been successful applied in Post-Graduate management courses. The three key elements of the on-line course framework are Active Participation, Support, and Course Content. The Web-based learning package contains four learning ingredients: Hong Kong Standard Forms of Construction Contract, Construction Cases, Common Contractual Problems, and Reference Standard Documents. The World Wide Web provides the learning platform. Active participation is achieved through e-mail and on-line discussion forum. The design and uses of the CCIS are described in the paper. Although the contents of CCIS focus mainly on the Hong Kong Construction Engineering studies, the design concept and the tools used can be applied without geographical and disciplinary barriers.