Floriana Falcinelli

Teaching with ICT: The Policultura and Moodle Didactic Format Experimented in Schools

Presented is the research and professional development results carried out by teachers on the use of educational technologies in the classroom in the course of an experimentation based on the PoliCultura&Moodle didactic format. The training course was designed as an integrated model of presence laboratory and online activities and focuses on the use of LCMS Learning Content Management System Moodle as a resource for achieving a deeper interaction with both the institutions involved in the projects and with students and their families as well as for supporting and disseminating the educational activities carried out in the classroom, with an online environment that would enable the exchange, the interaction and sharing of the study content.

The use of video in educational research and teacher training in the digital classroom

Abstract The introduction of new technologies, video in particular, in educational and pedagogical research has not only changed how research is conducted in the educational field but has also brought about significant changes in teacher training. The advent of digitalisation, along with the miniaturisation of both video cameras and storage media, has led to a dramatic increase in the use of video, particularly in terms of video production. This has led to the introduction of new teaching practices and new training initiatives derived from the analysis of these practices. The use of video, at an educational and didactic level on the one hand, and as an instrument for field observation on the other, offers a variety of benefits, along with some critical issues. One of the advantages is the capacity to allow for an analytical vision of complex actions, which may be reviewed at different times, by a variety of interlocutors. The aim of this study is to present a reflection based on research conducted in nine digital classes, focussing on the use of video as both an instrument for recording, collecting and analysing data, as well as a training tool in the didactic practice of teachers.

Evaluation of an e-learning device for workers’ compulsory training: an example of collaboration between university and company

Abstract In this article, we present the collaboration between the Quality, Hygiene, Security and Training department of the service provider of the Coop-branded cooperatives and the Human Sciences and Education Department of the University of Perugia, the objective of which was compulsory training in the fields of Job Security and Food Hygiene, provided by the company in e-learning, and addressing the employees of several cooperatives operating in the largescale organised distribution sector. The collaboration contemplates two steps. The first one consisted of the certification of compliance according to certain quality criteria. Course evaluation and certification were therefore assigned to an external institution that researches these subjects and thus was able to provide the training governance team with matter for reflection on the implemented training path, also indicating some potential aspects that needed to be further developed. The second step consisted of a wide-ranging, articulated empirical research that, on the one hand, enabled the university to cast light on a phenomenon that has been studied little or not at all from an educational viewpoint and, on the other, has enabled the Consorzio Interprovinciale di Servizi-Quality, Hygiene, Security and Training department (CIS-QuISF) to enhance its professional perspective and the e-learning mode to gain increasing recognition.

Designing an online learning environment for the qualification ofteachers: the case of the PAS in the University of Perugia1

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyse the experience of blended learning conducted in the special Path Enabling Course (PAS: training course reserved for staff working in schools for at least 3 years), at the University of Perugia. The research presented aims to investigate whether, and to what extent, the proposed online course has enabled students to experience different forms of meaningful learning, both individually and in groups; and in which courses they have been stimulated by critical thinking, creativity and metacognitive skills.

Esperienza di blended learning con Moodle nella SSIS Umbria

In the 2003-2004 we began the experimentation of CMS Moodle in SSIS Umbria to integrate the didactic activity face to face. This fi rst experience has been realized with the disciplines of «Didattica Generale», «Didattica Multimediale» e «Tecnologie dell’Istruzione» by the professor F. Falcinelli and her assistant C. Laici. These are disciplines of the cross-sectional area to which are enrolled the students of all the addresses of the SSIS, approximately 250 persons. The high enrolled number made a diffi cult task to deepen the lessons, and to interact with the teacher and the tutor. In this fi rst phase the participation of the students was free. For the teacher and the tutor was fundamental to know the CMS Moodle and its tools. The experienced activities have been: loading of the study documents, signalling of net resources which link, activation of a «forum news» for the communications to the students, submission of tasks and exercises that the students could complete and send independently to the on-line platform. In the 2004-2005 we have realized a more articulated course. The registration to the courses was obligatory, because the on-line activity realization allowed to mature credits. In this second phase the on-line tutor has assumed «moderator» role of the forum. We have been activated «web-forum», «forum news», a «free chat» for every course, study documents, and a «wiki». In this year we want to involve the school teachers in a cooperative plan with students