Hiheonline.com : a website to enhance the teaching and learning Of 'Housing in Home Economics'

Abstract

The purpose behind this dissertation is to develop a website dedicated totally to the topic of 'Housing' in Home Economics, as local 'Housing' resources are scarce for Maltese Home Economics teachers. Furthermore, the utility and effectiveness of a website as a pedagogical application in order to enhance the teaching and learning process in tackling the topic is assessed. This dissertation aims to introduce innovative teaching and learning pedagogies utilising ICT blended with traditional ones. The teachers' views and opinions in regards to their needs for a teaching and learning tool, were gathered prior to the development of the website, through individual interviews. A website was then built to meet the above requirements. On completion, the website was given to the teachers in order to integrate it as part of their teaching pedagogy. Questionnaires were utilised with teachers and students to assess the efficacy and usefulness of the website as a pedagogic application. Teachers described the website as an innovative tool that helped them to structure their work while encouraging constructivist-learning approaches. Concurrently, students felt that they experienced an enjoyable learning environment while their understanding of the subject was enhanced. The data emerged showed that the website has lead to flexible teaching and learning as it would remain available and the students could revisit it. The official website developed can be accessed online at 1 or through the provided CD-ROM. However, the researcher suggests that it is best to view the website online to capture all the links it contains.