Statmaster and HEROS - web-based courses first and second generation

With the increasing focus on life-long learning, and with the convenience and accessibility of the Internet, the market for web-based courses has expanded vastly in recent times–in particular in connection with continuing education. However, teaching web-based courses presents various technical as well as pedagogical challenges. Some of these challenges are addressed, and means to dealing with them are suggested. A second generation of web-based courses is comprised of learning objects, which allows for tailoring courses for specialized groups of students, and accommodate individualized learning. The concept of learning objects and how they are used to form new courses are discussed.