by Anastasia Salters
As universities often think of online course delivery as entirely web-based, the requirements to take an online class are often minimal and list Windows and Mac OS as equivalent choices. This will continue to present challenges for any project-based class that takes advantage of the computer as a tool, and not just a web browser. The web browser has served as a great cross-platform equalizer for the delivery of many types of content, and in-browser production tools (such as the Twine 2.x) are growing in sophistication. However, downloadable software still provides levels of interface and capabilities not yet easily replicated on the web. I believe bringing project-based learning to online courses is an essential part of making them meaningful for students who are engaging in a technologically-mediated educational environment. However, until true cross-platform support for software becomes standard, we must take into account these different platforms and knowledge levels when designing any such content.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/managing-macs-pcs-in-online-courses/61219
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