Franz Reichl

Computer supported collaborative learning and vocational training: adapting the technology to the learners’ needs

The aim of the ECODESIGN project was the development of a course in sustainable product design. The target group are employees in the areas of product design, marketing or similar areas. Some learners from this target group have a low computer literacy and are, therefore, reluctant to use advanced forms of electronic communication. Collaborative learning has to be designed according to the learners’ needs, taking into account that many participants of the ECODESIGN course have to get used to electronic communication. Despite this problem, a community of practice seems to result from the ECODESIGN course. Active tutoring was especially important to motivate learners and to constitute the community of practice.

Promoting a Central Learning Management System by Encouraging Its Use for Other Purposes Than Teaching

Vienna University of Technologys E-Learning Centre introduced Moodle in 2006 as the universitys central learning management system. Custom interfaces to existing IT infrastructure as well as modules developed and deployed according to users needs provide for a seamless digital workflow in the universitys teaching, learning and organisational processes. Encouraging the use of the LMS as a multi-purpose tool to support all kinds of co-operation and communication activities in addition to curricular teaching led to a rapid and significant increase in user numbers and encouraged university teachers to deal with educational questions and to develop innovative learning and teaching solutions, based on the LMS.

Networked facilitated open and distance learning in continuing engineering education

Open and distance learning (ODL) in continuing engineering education (CEE) brings about a set of specific challenges: production and delivery have to take place in a network of providers in order to be cost-effective, and the demands of an audience of professionals and practitioners have to be met. The project FACILE (FACIlitated open distance Learning for continuing Engineering education) had as a goal to find solutions to these challenges. Active facilitation turned out to be a key factor. The experiences gained allow us to discuss the role and relevance of different ODL elements and technologies for the specific requirements of CEE.

Joint European Continuing Engineering Education Courses with Facilitated Open Distance Learning

To cope with new challenges, universities of technology need to team up and complement their continuing engineering education programmes with open distance learning. The European FACILE project provided a starting point for collaboration among universities in providing continuing engineering education with facilitated open distance learning. Facilitated open distance learning combines the flexibility of open learning with support of the learning process through local support centres. Following experiences with FACILE, European centres will form a network acting as a geographically separated virtual centre for continuing engineering education which will offer programmes for an audience located all over Europe.