Encouraging blended learning and ICT use at Universitat de València to improve the learning process with the .LRN platform: best practices and tools

ABSTRACT

The Universitat de València, one of the largest, oldest and most varied in Spain, concerned about the efficiency of the learning processes in the context of the convergence process towards the Higher Education European Space, has conducted educative innovation experiences in several degrees, diversifying learning activities.

Interested in enhancing traditional classroom learning by use of ICT (with progressive blended learning introduction) has established a learning management system to enhance the learning and communication processes for the whole university. The overall goal was to build skills in ICT use in order to improve learning process quality and student participation.

This paper describes the starting point, the selection and implementation of an Open Source Learning Management System for the whole university, and the achievements on ICT use and expansion. Evaluation results of 2-years current campuswide use of LMS "Aula Virtual", conclusions and future work are also included.

REFERENCES

• 1: S. Ros, J. Gonzalez-Boticario, R. Pastor, M. Rodríguez-Artacho, "Un modelo de organización para la producción de cursos virtuales" Jornadas sobre el uso de las TIC en la UNED, Madrid, abril 14--15, 2005.
• 2: O. C. Santos, J. Gonzalez-Boticario, et alt., "aLFanet: An adaptive and standard-based learning environment built upon dotLRN and other open source developments", Foro hispano de .LRN, Congreso de usuarios y desarrolladores de .LRN, Madrid, mayo, 2005.
• 3: D. Roig, "Evaluación de plataformas de Teleformación para su implantación en el ámbito universitario". Proyecto final de carrera de Ingeniería Informática, Universitat de València, 2003.
• 4: A. Essa, V. Cerverón, C. Blessius, ".LRN: An Enterprise Open-Source Learning Management System", Educause 2005, Orlando (USA), octubre 2005.
• 5: F. Soler-Lahuerta, S. Cubero, A. López, D. Roig, S. Roca, "Desarrollo del módulo fichas en la estructura de la UVEG para la herramienta groupware .LRN", Foro hispano de .LRN, Congreso de usuarios y desarrolladores de .LRN, Madrid, mayo, 2005.
• 6: P. Moreno, V. Cerverón., "Plataforma tecnológica para potenciar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje: desarrollo en la Universitat de València basado en software libre y colaborativo". SIIE 06. VII Simposio Internacional de informática aplicada a la enseñanza. Vol. 2, pp. 148--156, Ed. Univ. de León, October 2006.
• 7: P. Moreno., V. Cerverón, "Platform of e-learning management Aula Virtual. Universitat de València. development based on Open Code and Collaborative Software". Current Developments in Technology-Assisted Education (2006) Vol. II, pp. 946--950. Ed. Formatex, Badajoz (Spain)
• 8: CRUE (2004) "Las tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones en el Sistema Universitario Español.". Coord. Senén Barro (Rector USC)

INDEX TERMS

Keywords:
learning management systems, open source software, technology enhanced learning