Table of Comparison:
Instructional Web Page Hosting Technologies
Decision
Factors
Mason Website
Classweb Website
Gunston Website
Townhall
WebCT
Technical Orientation
HTML-based
Websites that do not require server side technologies
HTML-based Websites that use forms and counters
(Microsoft Server) MS FrontPage-based Websites that can use advanced server side capabilities (Frontpage Extensions)
Web-based Asynchronous/
Synchronous
Communication
Course
Management
System
*Space Quota
20 MB
20 MB
200 MB
N/A
N/A
User Password Required
Available
Available
Available
Yes
Yes
Ease of Use
Requires training in web page creation and FTP
Requires training in web page creation and FTP
Requires training creating web pages using MS Frontpage and FTP
Very easy to set-up, learn and maintain
Moderate – high learning curve
depending on types of tools used
ADA Compliance
Must build ADA compliancy
Must build ADA compliancy
Must build ADA compliancy
Not ADA
Not fully ADA compliant
Strengths
Easy to maintain once learned
Public access to web pages
Easy to maintain once learned
Public access to web pages
-Familiar Microsoft interface
-Database and form tools
-Public access to web pages
-Departmental sites permitted
Easy of use – no knowledge of HTML required
Easy guest access
Password protection
Large suite of built-in educational tools (e.g., discussion, quizzing, grading, student presentations etc.)
Password protection
Weaknesses
Standard web pages only
Standard web pages only
Need advanced knowledge of MS Frontpage
Limited growth potential for online learning tools
Moderate learning curve
Firewall issue can prevent workplace user access
Some instructional benefits
Put syllabi, notes, handouts and PDF or PowerPoint files online
Put syllabi, notes, handouts and PDF or PowerPoint files online
Forms / Surveys
Databases
Discussion
Search
Discussion and Chat tools
Archival and searchable messages
Student communication, interaction, assessment, and community building tools
Archival and searchable content
Contact
Information
support@gmu.edu
classweb@gmu.edu
support@gmu.edu
townhall@gmu.edu
webct@gmu.edu