Self-organized Learning Environments: Using Conference Systems in Higher Education

Christian Dalsgaard, Helle Mathiasen

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the potentials of using a conference system in support of a project based university course. We use the concept of a self-organized learning environment to describe the shape of the course. In the paper we argue that educational technology, such as conference systems, has a potential to support students’ development of self-organized learning environments and facilitate self-governed activities in higher education. The paper is based on an empirical study of two project groups’ use of a conference system. The study showed that the students used the conference system actively. The two groups used the system in their own way to support their specific activities and ways of working. The paper concludes that self-organized learning environments can strengthen the development of students’ academic as well as social qualifications. Further, the paper identifies a potential within conference systems to strengthen students’ social interaction, collaboration and academic reflection within collaborative work.
Translated title of the contributionSelv-organiserede læringsmiljøer: Anvendelse af konferencesystemer på universitetet
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEISTA '07 Proceedings
Number of pages5
VolumeI
PublisherInternational Institute of Informatics and Systemics
Publication date2007
Pages290-294
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

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