The development of an open e-learning platform for education in sustainable development

Why sustainable development? Sustainability can and must be learned (statement from the Johanesburg Submit, 2002) E-learning has became an important tool for education and learning in sustainable development Need to find innovative ways of transforming environmental knowledge into motivation to practice sustainability Supporting “Economics of permanence” is the only way for indigenous people to survive

Experience Reflection Generalization Experimentation 3D simulations Virtual Worlds Edutainment (games) Webcasting Online and off line video conferencing Developing of e- portfolios The E-learning 2.0 scenario: The technology is ready E-mentoring Blogs Collaborative wikis Podcasting Connectivism: Learning is a knowledge creation process that can rest in a network of individuals Online discussions (Digalo, Dune) Forums Chats

Why an e-learning platform? Not much open educational resources in the discipline yet (and the few available “kept locked” by copyright owners) There is not a common virtual space where the different agents and experts can meet and share their ideas, best practices, etc… Multidisciplinary approach engaging different organisations in partnerships: Permaculture communities Organic farmers and soil associations HE institutions Indigenous communities

Theoretical models to research Contents model: –Definition of “Open resources” –Analysis of “re-usability” (of the resources) Funding model: -Contributor-pay model -Membership model -Donation model, etc (up to 9 different funding models identified for e-learning 2.0) Technical model (how resources are stored, uploaded, downloaded and maintained)

Right approach to e-learning: Engage students, not “enraged them”: Non hierarchical blogging: University of Glamorgan Weblog project Collaborative wikis: Gran Enciclopedia Aragonesa OnlineGran Enciclopedia Aragonesa Online Promote deep learning, no “over-quizzed” students: Webcasting/Videocasting: Students can film, edit and broadcast their own video documentaries instead of traditional essays. Raising ethical debates via videoconference (Flashmeeting): Kings College of London, OpenUniversiteit NE m-learning: The m-learning ProjectThe m-learning Project E-mentoring: University of PlymouthUniversity of Plymouth Virtual worlds: Second Life, CPS (UoP)CPS (UoP)