Using virtual collaboration tools for designing innovative education scenarios Gabriel Dima University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, Romania

Outline Key Messages Key Technologies Synchronous Communication Tools Some Examples Conclusions

Key Messages n Focus on the learning needs n Develop a technology enabled learning strategy n Provide a range of simple learning resources from articles, PowerPoint presentations, brief eLearning objects, audio tracks, blogs n Use the power of the network and enable n Use free virtual classrooms or simple simulations to provide goal oriented learning and non-linear learning programmes. n Use multichannel learning resources to provide resources through different channels according to their preferences, location and equipment to receive n Create a community of learners who can contribute to content through free Blog or chat software or online discussions.

Key Technologies n Learning Content Management Systems - a repository for short sharp multi-channel learning content, on demand. n Wiki - a community website which can be edited and added to by any member – ideal for problem solving, collaboration and knowledge management. n - an ideal performance support tool that allows content to be shared just in time. n Collaboration platforms – an excellent tool for collaborative projects design.

Key Technologies (cont’) n Virtual Classroom - a scheduled, online, teacher-led training session where teachers and learners interact synchronously using computers linked to a network such as the Internet. n Web Phone - a cheap and effective way of bring people together to collaborate with voice and real time text chat; an excellent alternative channel for learning, when combined with other forms of delivery. n Instant Messaging Tools - an alternative means of creating collaboration for learning - can be integrated with content from other sources or used as a coaching tool.

Synchronous Communication Tools n Real time audio - allows participants to speak to each other as if they were in a traditional classroom or using phone conferencing. n Real time video - makes communication even richer because it adds a face to the voice, and helps strengthen relationships with colleagues and fellow learners. n Chat - a way of instant messaging based on short text messages. n Whiteboard - participants can write on the whiteboard during the session, and the facilitator can display materials prepared in advance. n Screensharing - it allows all class participants to see an application that is opened on any given participant’s PC. n Polling - is a very useful tool for gathering feedback from all participants in a quick and easy way

Some Examples n IBM Learning Management System n PARMENIDE LMS & Pilot Application n WebCollab n Plone CMS

IBM Learning Management System Student and staff enrollment; User profiles and permissions; Authoring tools; Course profiles and permissions; Group/class roster; Tracking and reporting data.

Asynchronous Delivering Services (1) Dynamic web pages

Asynchronous Delivering Services (2) Internal service

Synchronous Delivering Services (1) Live session using a discussion forum

Synchronous Delivering Services (2) Live Session using Whiteboard feature

Synchronous Delivering Services (3) Live session using Live Q&A feature

Synchronous Delivering Services (4) Live session using Chat feature

PARMENIDE Project In order to demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of a new methodology, based on the integration of e-learning solutions and Artificial Intelligence systems, PARMENIDE project intends to develop and experiment an on-line Course – for the development of theoretical competences – regarding the regulations in force on Fire prevention, fire-fighting and emergencies management, and two Pilot Applications – for the acquisition of practical skills – based on Pedagogical Agents.

PARMENIDE Online Course & Pilot Application  The on-line course, available through the e-learning platform, consists of a didactic environment hosting video-lessons, slides and lecture notes and an interactive and collaborative environment, aiming at the promotion of both synchronous and asynchronous communication among remote users and e-tutors, ensuring tracking and transparency  The pilot application consists of two prototypes: the first one is addressed to employees working in the air transport sector, and the second one to those working in the rail transport sector. The Pedagogical Agent, based on I.A., will evaluate the learner’s behaviour, assigning a score to the various actions and providing a “weighed” answer, at the end of each action. The Pilot Application, characterized by a strong experiential component, will promote and test the knowledge acquired during the on-line course.

For further information, please contact: Gabriel DIMA University “Politehnica” of Bucharest Phone: Fax: