Vincenza Benigno

The evaluation of online courses

Given the special characteristics of online courses, their quantitative/qualitative evaluation calls for the adoption of specific procedures to assess both the learning process and the participant performance. This paper seeks to shed light on the aspects and issues involved in the evaluation of online courses, focusing on the peculiarities that distinguish such evaluation from that of traditional distance education. Subsequently, a methodological approach will be proposed that was developed and tested during evaluation of online courses for in-service teacher training and for training of staff in small and medium-sized enterprises.

ETB (European Treasury Browser): a system for quality of educational resources on the web

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate what has been achieved within the project ETB (European Treasury Browser) on the processes and criteria that define the quality of educational resources on a gateway. The project is funded under the Fifth Framework Programme, and the main purpose is to create a decentralized system to collect best practices and educational resources in the European context.

Build the conditions for transforming the teaching of mathematics

Discussione di un progetto di formazione (progetto Copernico) rivolto a docenti di matematica della Scuola Secondaria di II grado della Liguria. Il progetto ha previsto: la riflessione collettiva dei partecipanti sui risultati in campo matematico conseguiti dagli studenti italiani nel test internazionale PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment); la conseguente elaborazione di una proposta di curriculum di matematica; la progettazione di attivita didattiche innovative per favorire lo sviluppo di competenze matematiche simili a quelle testate in PISA.

On-line/on-site education: the EDIT course for the educational use of telematics

Abstract The applications of network technology to pre-service and in-service teacher training are wide in scope but may nevertheless be grouped into two broad categories: the network as a source of assistance (or self-help) for teachers during the classroom transfer of knowledge which they have gained on an on-site training course; and the network as an environment where the training process actually takes place. This article describes the study of a mixed on-site/on-line approach adopted for a training course called EDIT (EDucating with Internet and Telematics); the topic of the course itself was the use of the Internet to support teaching. The distinguishing feature of the approach used is the alternation between complementary on-site training and on-line activities.

Inclusive learning plans using ict: the Aessedi project

Education is a prime context for preventing social exclusion and providing people with special needs with opportunities for active participation in all spheres of life. A major objective of the school system is to ensure the participation of all students in the processes of learning and skills acquisition. This paper presents a pilot study concerning the design and classroom testing of learning plans based on the use of multimedia technologies developed for full inclusion of people with special needs. The learning plans are the result of collaborative efforts involving both curricular and special education teachers, who were supported by a web-based environment called AESSEDI; this represented scaffolding by providing a series of indicators supporting reflection on inclusion issues.

Blended presence / distance learning

Presentation of the trial of a mixed approach presence / distance refresher course conducted under the EDIT (Educating with the Internet and Telematics) on the use of network resources to support teaching in schools. After a first reflection on the various uses of telematics to support upgrading and training of teachers, describes the course EDIT and results achieved.

Online training of teachers: The POLARIS experience

Reflections on various issues related to distance education, with particular reference to the Polaris project.