Web education management systems : an investigation of system needs and usage for total academic learning and management purposes in educational institutions

While the title of this study may suggest a rather specialised concept, the recent developments both in information technology on the one hand and education on the other have succeeded in throwing this once restricted area into the limelight in the interest of the participants of all forms of human pursuits, and the benefits accruable from information technology can be harnessed as much in training as in any other field.This study takes a look at Web Education Management Systems (WEMS) and its relevance to education and academic institutions, and ultimately the World Maritime University (WMU).A closer look at the nature and attributes of WEMS is an absolute necessity, so is a cursory look at its impact on education delivery and indeed maritime education. Web Education Management SystemsSimply put, WEMS is the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web for educational purposes.The Internet Society defines the Internet as a global network of networks enabling computers of all kinds to directly and transparently communicate and share services throughout much of the world.The Internet was originally conceived by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the United States government in 1969 and was first known as the ARPANET.The original aim was to create a network that would allow users of a research computer at one university to be able to "talk to" research computers at other universities.Given that it is a very valuable and enabling capability for so many people, institutions and organizations, it also serves as a shared global resource of information, knowledge, and means of collaboration, communication and cooperation among countless diverse communities, interests and vocations.