About the Influence of Contents, Interaction and Tutor’s Role in an On-line Teaching Model

Abstract

This paper analyzes an on-line teaching model by focusing on three main didactic components: content, the tutor’s role and interaction. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of those didactic components on on-line teaching model, by examining the on-line course participants’ perception and understanding of them. The research's findings will contribute to the development of the model. This on-line teaching model was implemented in two teacher training and curriculum- updating programs in Mexico and Argentina, within the framework of academic co- operation between the Melton Centre for Jewish education of the Hebrew University and local educational institutions. This investigation examines two groups that participated in the programs during 2007-2008. One group was composed of young teachers, mostly beginners, and the other group was composed primarily of experienced teachers. The study reveals that this on-line teaching model satisfied both groups in varied ways. Each group’s approach towards the model was an expression of that group’s particular characteristics and needs, together with its particular process of learning the model and its method. To our surprise, the group of young teachers had a “conventional” approach towards the teaching model, while the group of experienced teachers had an “interactive” approach.