REFOCUS

Imparare online, il business del futuro

2008-12-05T15:56:00.001+01:00

Un interessante articolo che spiega come la 'ricetta' per creare dei "learning enviroment" di successo sia complessa, incentrata sulle persone, sull'interazione e sulla non linearità... >>>

(da digital mindstyle magazine)

Focus E-learning on Specific Small Target Groups

2008-11-28T17:01:00.000+01:00

We hear criticism about the education system in several countries. It’s been said that schools and many institutions are experimenting with several old methods of education that are not founded on scientific grounds but on (political) beliefs. Many organizations still deliver training in classrooms or push standard content via the internet to individual employees. >>>

Practice based design for learning at work

2008-11-18T16:59:00.000+01:00

Designing for learning at work in a manner that embraces the rich situatedness of practice involves a number of challenges in bridging normative and descriptive perspectives, as well as closing the gap between IS design theory and practice. In this paper, we propose a grounded approach that combines influence from learning theories with studies of existing learning practices. This approach could result in learning models, constituted of a sequence of learning activities that outlines the didactics of the workplace. The arguments are based on the empirical findings from an action-oriented research project in collaboration with six SME:s, and are illustrated through a e-learning model called “The Competence Kick-off”. >>>

Using Online Discussions in a Blended Learning Course

2008-11-04T14:09:00.001+01:00

This paper covers the topic of online discussion as one of the most significant learning activities in the context of e-learning course. Among many tasks for teachers in an online course, moderating online discussion is one of the most demanding. It requires lots of teacher’s time, effort and skills. >>>

Senior citizens pursuing education from home

2008-09-29T13:59:00.002+02:00

An interesting article about "Life Long Learning". >>>

Developing an Engaging Virtual Action Learning Programme for SME Managers – A UK Perspective

2008-09-19T12:37:00.000+02:00

This paper presents results from an EU-funded project with the aim of examining the adaptation of e-learning to meet the needs of managers in different contexts. A set of design considerations is elucidated. These principles were derived from an analysis of five completed projects. This was followed by focus group discussion in the UK to test the principles derived.. These focus group were planned so as to gain greater clarity in the design of e-learning programmes aimed at UK-based SME leaders and managers. This paper starts by looking at the importance of SME management development for the economic wellbeing of the community and goes on to review research into issues in engaging managers in development activities. The results of a review of an earlier experimental programme (ESeN) are presented as it formed part of the process which led to the identification of theoretical design principles then tested in the focus groups. Finally, recommendations are presented for SME e-learning providers as well as areas for further research. >>>

Building the Web 2.0 Enterprise: McKinsey Global Survey Results

2008-09-09T12:32:00.000+02:00

Companies are using more Web 2.0 tools and technologies than they were last year, sometimes for more complex business purposes, according to McKinsey’s second annual survey on Web 2.0. Companies that are satisfied with their use of these tools are starting to see changes throughout the enterprise. >>>

Creating a Positive Attitude towards e-learning at Work Posts

2008-08-28T12:25:00.001+02:00

Establishing e-learning in an organization represents a challenge, especially if most members do not have much knowledge about e-learning. The project should be carefully planned and run in order to create a positive attitude towards e-learning. As the objective of e-learning in the workplace is qualifying employees, focus should be made on the learners’ satisfaction and learning results. These can be achieved with appropriate use of web 2.0 technologies, usable e-learning system and constructivist approaches in e-learning, where efficient e-course and well-skilled mentors have an important role. This article describes the model of introducing e-learning in an organization, and its realization in praxis. >>>

E-learning e web 2.0: una dimensione sociale dell'apprendimento virtuale.

2008-08-20T14:47:00.002+02:00

L'era della formazione a distanza (Fad), individuale, svolta in un ambiente chiuso, dai contenuti fortemente strutturati e rigidi è definitivamente tramontata. La diffusione del web 2.0, l’uso di webcam, wiki, blog, software multimediali e tecnologie partecipative ha permesso un salto di qualità nei programmi di formazione a distanza.
Le metodologie e gli strumenti dell’e-learning di ultima generazione puntano infatti sempre più a forme di apprendimento collaborativo, le quali pongono il fruitore al centro di una molteplicità di relazioni e lo rendono partecipante attivo, nonché costruttore di conoscenza. Il singolo diventa il centro della rete, contribuisce alla creazione dei contenuti e li condivide in modo interattivo con gli altri. Apprendimento formale, non formale e informale si intrecciano, generando una fluidificazione dei saperi. Grazie alla rete si apprende informalmente, quasi per caso, e l’esperienza quotidiana diventa complementare a quella istituzionale. Siamo all’interno di quello che viene definito, a livello europeo, il processo di apprendimento lungo tutto l’arco della vita (lifelong learning). >>>

Future Learning Landscapes: Transforming Pedagogy through Social Software

2008-07-30T11:46:00.001+02:00

This article discusses the new pedagogical landscape made possible by the emergence of Web 2.0 social software, which allows users to become active contributors. Web 2.0 tools offer unparallelled opportunities for participation, productivity, and interaction. Through a discussion of emerging learning scenarios enabled by social software, McLoughlin and Lee posit that future learning environments must capitalize on the potential of Web 2.0 by combining social software tools with connectivist pedagogical models. The combination produces what the authors call Pedagogy 2.0, a model of learning in which learners are empowered to participate, learn, and create knowledge in ways that are personally meaningful and engaging. >>>

Il social networking tra gli over 40

2008-07-23T12:21:00.001+02:00

Negli Stati Uniti meno di un quarto di coloro che navigano in internet con un’età superiore ai 40 anni (i cosiddetti baby boomers, nati negli anni ’50 e ’60) usano i social network. >>>

Evaluation of the pedagogical practices and the use of ICT on distance education

2008-07-03T11:10:00.003+02:00

A contribution to the Hellenic Open University.

This study examines a) the methods used to structure the pedagogy necessary to underpin distance education delivery used by the Hellenic Open University (HOU); b) the adoption of pedagogical and epistemological conceptual systems HOU uses for the development of its pedagogical practices; and c) the role of information and communication technology (ICT), and the degree of ICTs incorporation into distance education delivery at HOU. This study shows that: a) in terms of providing rigorous course contents, strong framing exists between HOU’s various learning modules; b) in terms of pedagogical practices, there is a strong hierarchical relationship and framing between HOU’s academic staff and tutors, while conversely, framing is weaker between its tutors and students; c) in terms of ICT usage HOU, in general, uses technology for administration, while conversely, and depending on the program of study, it currently only has limited use for student learning. >>>

Blended learning - an opportunity to take the best of both worlds

2008-06-12T09:40:00.000+02:00

This paper presents theoretical foundations for effective ICT supported learning content development and course design. The practical use of these tools is described in the development of blended learning courses for improvement of computer literacy of unemployed people in Slovenia. The results of the survey about the efficiency of learning within these courses and about user satisfaction in the described courses are also presented. >>>

Meeting the Training Needs of SMEs: is e-Learning a Solution?

2008-05-22T15:22:00.000+02:00

Training is one of the basic means of human resources development in business organizations, aiming to motivate employees, to develop their potential and to help them perform better. Facing pressures from an increasingly competitive business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are called upon to implement strategies that are enabled and supported by information technologies and e-business applications in order to compete with other organizations.
One of these applications is e-Learning, whose aim is to enable the continuous assimilation of knowledge and skills by managers and employees, and thus support organisational training and development efforts through the use of the Internet and Web technologies. Little is known however as to the level of awareness of e-Learning in SMEs and as to the actual role played by e-Learning with regard to these firms’ training needs. This observed the firms’ training process, identifying to what extent the SMEs know and use e-Learning, and to what extent e-Learning meets their training needs. >>>

Adult workers have a lot to learn online

2008-05-15T12:26:00.000+02:00

Children are fantastic little learning machines. They are hardwired to play with ideas and absorb knowledge. Adults, alas, are not. That is why the challenge of adult education and lifelong learning is more difficult than childhood education. >>>

Giovani smanettoni crescono. Così.

2008-05-10T23:16:00.000+02:00

Free elearning verso nuovi pubblici.

Lezioni di programmazione, corsi sulla privacy, tavole rotonde online. Cresce e si allarga anche ad un pubblico più adulto l'esperienza di Oilproject, prima accademia di free elearning italiana. >>>

Is a Blended Learning Approach Suitable for Mature, Part-time Finance Students?

2008-05-07T15:11:00.002+02:00

The University of Winchester has introduced a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) based on the Moodle Course Management System (CMS).
Moodle supports a ‘social constructionist pedagogy’ where the style of learning is highly interactive and emphases that learners (and not just teachers) can organize and contribute to the educational experience in many ways. The various functional features of Moodle reflect its design philosophy which is based upon the belief that people learn best when they interact with the learning material, construct new material from their own perspective and interact with other students about the material.
A small investigation has been conducted which has looked at the learning needs of part-time, mature finance students at The University of Winchester to see whether a blended approach (using Moodle) would have benefited their studies. This paper attempts to outline how the course was designed and to do a preliminary analysis of the use of blended learning for part-time, mature finance students. >>>

Dove mancano dati arriva la Soa

2008-05-06T09:39:00.000+02:00

Una ricerca Progress-Vanson Bourne su 500 decisori It rileva un flusso carente di informazioni di business. Si investe sulle architetture di servizi per rimediarvi. >>>

Strategie aziendali per gli over 50

2008-04-30T16:01:00.002+02:00

«Le aziende italiane sono soltanto all'inizio della riscrittura del welfare aziendale con una sensibilità sempre più legata all'età dei lavoratori» >>>

Italia, quale innovazione nelle università?

2008-04-23T10:44:00.000+02:00

Prima inchiesta di Punto Informatico sullo stato dell'e-didattica.
L'Italia messa a confronto con il contesto internazionale. Il MIT fa scuola in mezzo mondo, e gli atenei italiani? Gli studenti parlano di periferia dell'innovazione. >>>

L'università per il Lifelong Learning

2008-03-18T12:00:00.003+01:00

Un interessante articolo in cui si parla di REFOCUS.
Nell’articolo viene esplorato il rapporto tra LifeLong Learning (LLL) ed e-learning (eL). Il punto di vista adottato è quello dell’università, che si trova ad agire in un contesto di crescente bisogno di formazione permanente e di progressivo invecchiamento della popolazione. Quest’ultimo aspetto è destinato a creare importanti trasformazioni culturali e organizzative nella gestione dei lavoratori “over 45”.
In un’ottica di sviluppo del LLL il sistema universitario è chiamato a interagire in modo sempre più coordinato con gli altri soggetti: quelli istituzionali, come Governo e Regioni, quelli del mercato del lavoro, le aziende ma anche i singoli individui. In questo panorama l’eL rappresenta una leva con potenzialità molto buone (un esempio significativo è il mondo Web 2.0), ma che quasi sempre bisogna sviluppare e far conoscere.
Il lavoro analizza poi due progetti di LLL realizzati in modalità e-L ma con approcci abbastanza diversi l’uno dall’altro, concludendo infine con alcuni confronti relativi alle loro caratteristiche e alla replicabilità. >>>

Si parla di REFOCUS!

2008-03-13T14:39:00.004+01:00

i-AFIEL (Innovative approaches for a full inclusion in eLearning) dedica a REFOCUS l’intervista del mese. >>>

Insegnare ai "nativi" nello spazio mediato di rete

2008-02-25T09:31:00.000+01:00

Nasce Taccle, un progetto europeo per accompagnare i docenti del XXI secolo negli scenari aperti dalla Rete e dai nuovi media. >>>

Adulti e attività formative

2008-02-15T10:10:00.001+01:00

Una ricerca ISTAT sulla partecipazione degli adulti ad attività formative. >>>

Siamo un paese senza formazione

2008-02-15T10:03:00.002+01:00

L'italia sta di fatto procedendo a operazioni in contrasto con le indicazioni europee. >>>

La classe dirigente non legge più!

2008-02-13T09:48:00.001+01:00

Aggiornarsi? Inutile.
«Il segnale di un Paese disilluso verso il futuro» >>>

L’ufficio difficile degli “over 45”. Ancora indietro le imprese italiane.

2008-02-07T10:27:00.000+01:00

Bocciate per opportunità di carriera offerte, formazione permanente e assistenza medico-sanitaria. Pochi gli ambienti di lavoro progettati pensando all’età. Aumentano però, pure se di poco, le imprese che nel 2008 assumeranno lavoratori “maturi”. Insufficienti anche Germania, Francia, Regno Unito e Spagna.

I risultati di un’indagine su 2500 aziende europee. >>>

Continuous, Interactive, and Online: A Framework for Experiential Learning with Working Adults

2008-02-06T16:37:00.000+01:00

In this article, the authors describe the scholar-practitioner model that frames e-learning at Walden University. Traditional approaches to experiential learning emphasize experiences concurrent with or following classroom instruction as a way to make knowledge more meaningful. By contrast, the vast majority of students at Walden University are adults with significant experience in their chosen field already but have chosen an online format to pursue graduate education. >>>

Il ruolo delle Università nella formazione continua: esperienze, organizzazione, risorse, regole e prospettive.

2008-01-29T16:49:00.000+01:00

Interessante presentazione del prof. Margiotta, Prorettore dell’ Università Cà Foscari di Venezia, tratta dal convegno tenutosi a ROMA il 27 giugno 2007 (gli atti sono disponibili sul sito >>>)
Il documento, intitolato Il distretto della Formazione Continua in Veneto, inizia con una carrellata di dati sullo stato dell’occupazione e della formazione professionale in Europa, in Italia e in alcune Regioni; successivamente descrive alcune soluzioni che si stanno sperimentando nella Regione Veneto per avvicinare le esigenze formative aziendali alle potenzialità didattiche delle Università. La chiave di volta, ormai confermata nella sua importanza da moltissimi contributi, sembra essere ancora il concetto di competenza. >>>

L'industria dell'education cerca uno standard per le piattaforme e-learning

2008-01-25T16:29:00.000+01:00

L'industria privata dell'education al lavoro per la definizione di uno stardard per i contenuti delle piattaforme e-learning. >>>

IJKL: Special Issue on Learning and Interacting in the Web

2008-01-22T14:11:00.000+01:00

A special issue on e-Learning has just been published in the International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (IJKL), Volume 3 - Issue 4/5 - 2007. The Special Issue is entitled: Learning and Interacting in the Web: Social Networks and Social Software in the Web 2.0. >>>