Dalarna University (DU) has made a strategic choice to emphasize pedagogic development for the next generation. DU is renowned in Sweden for developing net based courses. From the perspective of the University, however, we develop pedagogical thought and e-learning possibilities for both campus and net based courses.
The Next Generation Learning Centre (NGLc) is vital for the pedagogical development at DU. Our role is to make students’ learning possible (Ramsden 2003). According to sociocultural perspectives on learning, communicative interaction and the use of cultural artifacts are vital parts in all learning (Säljö 2000). At our university we clearly focus on different computer based systems as artifacts that support learning and that make synchronous interaction possible, in seminars as well as during lectures. We choose systems that support learning well rather than the newest technology.
We have defined three basic needs for the learning process and have chosen programs for information exchange (Fronter), Adobe Connect for seminars, and the “Videochat” - our own system for streaming and/or recording lectures.
We do not consider Adobe Connect and the Videochat as virtual tools – the seminars and lectures are for real (same time – any place). Hence our conscious use of “net based” instead of “distance” courses. Students and teachers testify that they interact more in a seminar via Connect compared to in a physical lecture hall and confirm the pedagogical closeness.
We use systems that require as little technical knowledge from the students as possible. As a preparation for students we offer recurrent introduction courses in all our systems during the first four weeks of each semester. Equivalent courses are offered to teachers.
The support department (NGLc) has generous opening hours to support and help teachers and students with technical and pedagogical issues. There are day courses as well as evening courses, and we provide the same support for all.
We record and provide sign language interpretation of lectures to deaf/hearing impaired students. We also adapt Fronter for blind or visually impaired students.
During our presentation we describe and show how we work generally with net based learning, and we will also introduce more specific solutions that have been appreciated by our teachers and students.
- DU´s success through net based learning 5 minutes
- Presentation of technical artifacts 7 minutes
- NGLc´s function 11 minutes
- questions 7 minutes
References
Ramsden, Paul (2003). Learning to teach in higher education. 2. ed. London: RoutledgeFalmer
Säljö, Roger (2000). Lärande i praktiken: ett sociokulturellt perspektiv. [Learning in practice - A sociocultural perspective]. Stockholm: Prisma
2013.
ALTC Building new cultures of learning, 10–12 September 2013, Nottingham, UK