Using Web-based Assignments to Enhance Student Learning and Productivity

The use of the Internet has become an integral part of higher education for teaching and learning. To enhance students' learning experiences, undergraduate students in the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences at University of Hawaii at Manoa were asked to submit web-based assignments as their course requirements. The type and format of web-based assignments were constructed based on the level and requirement of the course: i) TPSS 120E Plants for People, Ornamental Plants: a web-based report on ornamental plants, ii) TPSS 364 Horticultural Practices: a web-based report on their weekly gardening activities, and iii) TPSS 420 Plant Propagation: a web-based report on propagation of selected plant material. Students were asked to create a website on a public domain, design their own webpages, and post pictures and information relevant to the topic of their assignment. The premises were that through constant interaction with information technology, students will be familiarized with web technologies and resources, develop web technology skills, create and utilize their own website as information delivery tool, and/or be better prepared for their career goal with their published website. Their feedback was solicited after the courses were completed. Results showed that students were positive towards the incorporation of web-based assignments, and found the assignment to be very relevant to their learning and to promote a positive attitude to learning and achievement with a high level of motivation. These results show that the use of web-based assignment can serve as an effective teaching and learning tool in a technology-infused classroom.