Stefania Aceto

Pedagogical Innovation in New Learning Communities: An In-depth Study of Twelve Online Learning Communities

The main aim of this study is to collect evidence on the learning innovation emerging in online communities and to draw conclusions on the lessons learnt and on emerging models and features that could eventually be transferred to education and training systems to support lifelong learning, innovation and change in Europe. The results presented are based on an in-depth analysis of the pedagogical and organisational innovation observed in twelve online communities belonging to one (or more) of the following categories of community: organisation-driven; production-driven; topic-driven; and socially-driven.

Supporting innovation in technology-enhanced learning: a stakeholder-based open approach

This paper explores the concept of innovation in technology-enhanced learning (TEL) and proposes a model to support innovation in the area of TEL. This model has emerged from the HoTEL project, a support action funded by EUs FP7. The paper first provides a brief summary of innovation models emerging from research and then moves to an analysis of the key elements, dynamics and dimensions that need be considered in order to develop a model supporting innovation specific to the TEL domain. The HoTEL innovation support model is then presented as a new way for supporting innovation adoption and mainstreaming within the field. Such a model is based on the concept of open innovation and advocates the direct involvement of all key stakeholders in the innovation process and their active role in considering all the strategic elements (networking, partnerships, support, user engagement, etc.) necessary for meaningful and effective innovation in TEL.