Measure by measure: how WBT can help create a social online presence

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how web‐based technologies (WBT) can be applied to theater arts courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature and parallels drawn between theater and online pedagogy, the paper proposes ideas for incorporating asynchronous and synchronous discussions, collaborative projects, and ways to utilize authentic and alternative assessments in addition to or in place of pen‐and‐paper tests.

Findings

WBT can be used as an effective enhancement to any theater course, though not in the same way for each area of theater. Almost any class can benefit from expanding the social dynamics through using asynchronous communications, but the true decision of the best way to utilize the benefits of WBT in a theater arts class is the same as for the integration into any class. The instructor must look at their own teaching style, the class objectives, and determine what usages will best enhance the learning process for the students in the particular course.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into how WBT can help create a social online presence.

Citation

Marcus, S. (2006), "Measure by measure: how WBT can help create a social online presence", Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 56-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650740610654447