Constructing a network course on aesthetics

Wan Ping
Chengdu University
Chengdu, China

Feng Naiguang
Sichuan Radio and Television University
Chengdu, China

This paper discusses a revised network-based course, ‘Survey of Aesthetics’, which has the following course design features:

1. The theoretical knowledge for the course is contained mainly in a textbook, but a wide variety of teaching resources is included, such as face-to-face teaching, CAI, IP, video and the Internet.
2. The main learning objectives for each chapter are presented in various modes, which helps students to integrate their knowledge and study as distance learners.
3. Maximum use is made of educational technology, including a Web virtual classroom which includes audio and video and a human-computer interface, thus avoiding the problems of distance, time and geography.

This system, with its variety of teaching/learning approaches, has helped to improve students’ understanding of aesthetics and art. It has been of particular benefit to those with lower educational levels as its virtual classroom ensures that they receive adequate support. The inclusion of an Access database is an important feature of the course. Overall, the course design is user-friendly and provides detailed, accurate and appropriate guidance.