Interactive Content under the principles of distance learning (i-Content)

Result Leading Organisation:  PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS

The designing of an Interactive Content & Educational Material under the principles of distance learning (i-Content) should be based on pedagogical principles, the understanding of learning material and the set learning goals, and definitely, the awareness of the way advanced learning technologies can contribute to attaining these goals. The designing of i-Content requires special attention, as we need to adhere to DE principles when we develop the teaching material, plan our teaching strategy and decide on the combination of the technological means to support the attainment of the set learning goals In the proposed designing we follow the basic principles which should determine an Interactive Content to the methodology of the American Distance Education Consortium (http://www.adec.edu).

• A distance learning material, being in multimedia form, should be regulated by clear learning goals and focus on pre-defined expected outcomes, considering the special characteristics and needs of students within the context of an open, flexible and student-centered approach

• The student should be encouraged to actively participate throughout the learning course, associating learning by doing, learning by reflection, case-learning study and learning by exploring. Relating learning goals with real life learning experiences consists a major priority.

• The educational material should combine the use of ict in order to attain the set learning goals considering the different learning styles of students. The selection of the ict tools depends on the nature of content, the access to technology of the learning group and the general educational philosophy of the teaching staff.

• The educational material should encourage interaction among the human resources by ensuring the appropriate conditions and actively supporting the development of communities which share common interests with the aim of achieving collaborative learning.Strong emphasis is placed on interaction, as it is regarded as one of the fundamental factors to achieve the learning objectives.

The proposed interactive environment implements the theory of three types of interaction (Moore, 1989) and that of Paulsen’s methodology(1977) Teachers of all levels and disciplines will acquire new knowledge and enhance their ICT Skills and their English language skills.