Distributed learning using on-line learning and computer simulations for solid waste management

This paper describes the courseware developed for a course on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) for school teachers carried out in a university environment. The course is based on aspects of educational theories of constructivist learning by Lev Vygotsky, David Ausubel and Howard Gardner. Two main modules are discussed in this paper: First, the course contents are provided using a distributed learning approach that includes support in CD and an Internet-based platform called Moodle. Second, a simulation of MSW as a system has been developed using Visual Basic. The simulation is being tested at present.