Esta tesis tiene un doble objetivo, por un lado, analizar las acciones organizativas, de formación docente y de uso pedagógico de la web social desarrolladas en las universidades españolas. Por otro lado, avanzar criterios que guíen el diseño e implantación de dinámicas de apoyo institucional, de desarrollo profesional docente y de aplicación metodológica de las herramientas 2.0 en las universidades españolas. Para alcanzar los objetivos anteriores, se han planteando cinco preguntas de investigación: 1. ¿Cuáles son los principales cambios organizativos que conducen al aprovechamiento educativo de la web 2.0 en la universidad? 2. ¿Cómo debe funcionar un servicio de asesoría técnico-pedagógica en el ámbito universitario? 3. ¿Cómo deben plantearse las ofertas de formación permanente del profesorado universitario sobre el uso didáctico de la web social? 4. ¿De qué modo tienen qué diseñarse las actividades educativas mediadas por el software social en las aulas universitarias? 5. ¿Qué roles “innovadores” deben desempeñar los docentes universitarios a la hora de aplicar una “pedagogía 2.0” en sus clases? Se ha seguido una aproximación metodológica mixta, para triangular los resultados en base a cuatro técnicas de investigación: 1) la entrevista a expertos en tecnología educativa(semiestructurada y en línea), 2) la observación participante realizada en el Educational Technology Services (UC Berkeley) y el proceso de diseño y desarrollo de una desconferencia (Cal Educamp 2011), 3) la observación no participante sobre las actividades educativas 2.0 señaladas por los docentes universitarios españoles y basada en la información obtenida en 4) el cuestionario en línea. A través del proceso de análisis se han establecido una serie de criterios que permitan consolidar la innovación educativa en las instituciones de tercer ciclo. Dichos criterios estimulan el cambio en las diferentes dimensiones y actores del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, respecto a la implementación educativa de la web social. Los criterios establecidos a nivel instuticional buscan ayudar a desarrollar acciones organizativas, sistemáticas, estratégicas y de apoyo de la introducción de la web social dentro de las universidades. Estos criterios inciden en las actitudes de promoción de la integración pedagógica “en”, y “de” las TIC dentro de los organismos de gestión, política y organización universitaria. En cuanto a la formación docente y desarrollo profesional docente, los criterios fijados afectan a aquellas actividades que permiten reflexionar, diseñar y adaptar la formación continua del profesorado “en”, “sobre” y “con” las tecnologías sociales. En los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje desarrollados en las aulas los criterios expuestos se centran en promover el uso pedagógico adecuado de la web social, o su aplicación metodológica. La presente investigación quiere ayudar en el diseño y desarrollo de propuestas educativas orientadas a facilitar y mejorar los procesos de integración educativa de la web social en las facultades españolas. En este sentido, se espera que sirva de inspiración para consolidar universidades innovadoras promotoras de una educación de calidad e integral para todos los ciudadanos mediada a través de las tecnologías de la web social. / The purpose of this thesis is twofold analyze three dimensions developed in Spanish universities which are the organizational one, the teacher training, and the educational use within a social web context. Secondly, make an improvement of the criteria guiding the design and implementation of: dynamic institutional support, professional teacher development, and methodological application of Web 2.0 tools in Spanish universities. To achieve the above objectives, five research questions have been raised: 1. What are the major organizational changes that lead to educational use of Web 2.0 in universities? 2. How should work a technical and pedagogical assessment department service in the university? 3. How should offers concerning teacher training about the educational use of the social web be considered? 4. In which way have educational activities facilitated with social software to be designed in university classrooms? 5. What "innovative" roles must play university teachers in implementing a "pedagogy 2.0" in their classes? It has followed a mixed methodological approach to triangulate the results based on four research methods: 1) interviewing experts in educational technology (with semi-structured and online interviews), 2) participant observation conducted in the Educational Technology Services (UC Berkeley ) and process followed to design and develop an “unconference” (Cal EduCamp 2011), 3) non-participant observation on educational activities 2.0 reported by Spanish university teachers and based on information obtained in 4) the online questionnaire. Through the process of analysis a set of criteria to strengthen the educational innovation in tertiary institutions has been established. These criteria encourage the change in different dimensions and actors of the teaching-learning process, criteria linked to the educational implementation of the social web. The criteria developed at the institutional level seek to help to develop organizational, systematic, strategic and supporting actions for the introduction of the social web within the universities. These criteria affect attitudes to promote educational integration "in" and "of" ICT in managerial, political and organizational departments of universities. Regarding teacher training and teacher professional development, the fixed criteria which affect those activities that allow considering, designing and adapting teacher education "in" "on" and "with" social technologies. In the teaching-learning processes developed in classrooms, the criteria focus on promoting appropriate educational use of the social web, or its methodological application. This research wants to help the design and development of educational programs. These programs are aimed at facilitating and improving the educational integration of the social web in Spanish universities. In this sense, it is expected that consolidation will inspire innovative universities promoting quality and ease the comprehensive education for all citizens thanks to the social web technologies.

According to research by Tennessen, PonTell, Romine and Motheral (1997), the Extension System has been educating the nation for over 96 years, and the idea of using technology as a medium for education has been in the minds of Extension educators for over 40 years. The National E-Extension (eXtension) Initiative is being adopted at a rapid pace, and the history of this impact requires documentation in order to assist others in similar adoption and diffusion processes. The purpose of this historical study was to describe how and why eXtension was established and the implementation of Moodle as a Course Management System (CMS) within eXtension. The researcher was able to determine that the eXtension system is becoming an accepted form of education for Extension. However, barriers to adoption do exist. The study revealed that online education is becoming part of Extension through eXtension, but as awareness grows and develops the eXtension system must do the same. Technology is offering new ways to reach clientele, and as such, Extension continues to strive to take advantage of these technologies. This study consisted of two parts. The first part sought to document the history of eXtension and the implementation of Moodle as a Course Management System (CMS) in Extension. The second part sought to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) related to the use of Moodle as a Course Management System within eXtension. Interviews were conducted with five individuals knowledgeable of the history of eXtension and the implementation of Moodle concerning their experience. For the second part, interviews were conducted with nine individuals currently serving as instructors within one or both eXtension Moodle websites. The researcher was able to document the history of eXtension and Moodle and determine 11 emerging themes within the predetermined areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Findings revealed that those involved in using Moodle within Extension have knowledge of the innovation, have formed an attitude toward the innovation, and have decided to adopt or reject the innovation based on the stages of Rogers' innovation-decision process. Completion of the implementation of the innovation and confirmation of the decision stage of the process will be most effectively completed through the work of eXtension at the national level.

Technological advances have created unlimited opportunities in education. Training and technology have merged to create new methods referred to as technology-based training. Technology-based training, for the purpose of this study, was defined as training that is delivered via the Internet, CD-ROM, or video conferencing either at a distance or in a local setting. A variety of forms of technology-based training were found throughout educational and workforce settings. The purpose of this study was to identify organizations that hire agriculture and life sciences students for positions involving technology-based training and identify competencies required for these positions from the perspective of the identified organizations. This study described the technologies that the identified organizations were using to design and deliver technology-based training, the audience to which the organizations were providing training, and the competencies that the identified organizations were seeking in potential employees. Findings from this study revealed a need for individuals with specialization in creating and providing technology-based training. Data suggested seven key skills and competencies needed to work in technology-based training: 1) instructional design, 2) technology/computer skills, 3) the ability to conduct a needs assessment, 4) interpersonal skills, 5) writing skills, 6) planning and organizational skills, and 7) evaluation skills. The identified skills and competencies related to technology-based training mirror those reported in previous research. Based on analysis of the data, it was concluded that students with expertise in these skill and competency areas are more marketable in organizations that hire agriculture and life sciences students.

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Social interaction is a powerful medium in education. In this report, I discuss how computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) helps K-12 students to enhance learning. I discussed why socio-constructivism in CSCL is a promising learning method. In addition I suggest that CSCL enhances students’ self-driven learning, motivation, and critical thinking. I also examine how CSCL can be successfully implemented in K-12 schools. In this context, the report identifies the challenges posed by technology implementation and changing teachers’ beliefs in introducing this innovation into schools, and how those challenges can be met. Finally, based on perspectives in support of CSCL, the paper does a critical analysis of the Korean e-learning project, which created a national online leaning network for K-12 students, called Cyber Home Learning System (CHLS), and suggests ways that CSCL may enhance this program. / text

This thesis researched characteristics and success rates of Nepali participants in a series of online courses in order to develop a pedagogical model designed for an open university in Nepal, based on the geographical, regional and linguistic diversity of Nepali learners. The original contribution to knowledge is the examination of geographic, regional and linguistic backgrounds of Nepali learners and a determination as to whether these factors influence the online learning of Nepali students. It is expected that the resulting model may serve as a construct for open university initiatives in Nepal and in other developing countries. A mixed methods, descriptive, multiple case study approach using surveys, 4 short pilot courses, interviews and observations was used to provide data that would generate a pedagogical model. The results determined the design of the pedagogical model based on the needs of students in developing countries and in particular Nepali open university students. A study of Nepal’s history and diversity, existing open university models worldwide, and educational theory formed the foundation of this study. Combining the aforementioned review, with the information gained through the surveys, short pilot courses, interviews, observations during extensive travel throughout Nepal, and using inductive analysis, the framework for a pedagogical model for an open university in Nepal emerged. Although limited to a small group of volunteers, the original contribution to scholarship was the creation of the first pedagogical model for an open university in Nepal. / 2013-10

Magistriniu darbu „Daugiakalbystės galimybių realizavimo MOODLE aplinkoje modeliavimas“ buvo siekiama sukurti daugiakalbystės realizavimo modelius virtualiai mokymosi aplinkai (toliau – VMA) Moodle. Daugiakalbystė yra vienas iš svarbiausių prioritetų, renkantis virtualią mokymosi aplinką tarptautiniam bendradarbiavimui. Šiame darbe yra nagrinėjamos virtualios mokymosi aplinkos Moodle 2.3 daugiakalbystės realizavimo galimybės. Daugiakalbystės realizavimas nėra apibrėžtas Moodle aplinkos dokumentacijoje, todėl bus aptariami svarbiausi jo realizavimo modeliai. Aptariami Moodle 2.3 aplinkos kalbų pritaikymo būdai, vartotojų galimybės kiekvienu realizavimo atveju. Sukurti du daugiakalbystės realizavimo būdai. Pirmasis nereikalauja programavimo žinių, modeliu gali naudoti ir paprasti vartotojai. Antrajam daugiakalbystės įgyvendinimo būdui buvo sukurtas atskiras modulis skirtas Moodle 2.3 versijai. / The goal of Master thesis „The modeling of the multilingualism capabilities in Moodle“ is to create a multilingual realization models for virtual learning environment (hereinafter - VLE) Moodle. Multilingualism is a top priority when choosing a virtual learning environment in order to implement international cooperation. Possibilities of multilingualism realization in virtual learning environment Moodle 2.3 are analyzed in this thesis. The realization of multilingualism is not defined in Moodle documentation thus the most important models of its realization will discussed. The application techniques of languages in Moodle 2.3 environment will be discussed, as well as consumer outlets in each case. Two methods of realization of multilingualism have been designed. The first one does not require knowledge of programming and the model can be used by ordinary users. The second method of implementing multilingualism has been developed in a separate module for Moodle 2.3 version.

The impact of Internet technology on critical thinking is of growing interest among researchers. However, there still remains much to explore in terms of how critical thinking can be fostered through online environments for higher education. Ten years ago, Garrison, Anderson, and Archer (2000) published an article describing the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework which provided an outline of three core elements that were able to describe and measure a collaborative and positive educational experience in an online learning environment, namely teaching presence (design, facilitation, and direct instruction), social presence (the ability of learners to project themselves socially and emotionally), and cognitive presence (the extent to which learners are able to construct and confirm meaning through sustained reflection and discourse). This dissertation extends the body of research surrounding the CoI framework and also the literature on developing critical thinking in online environments by examining and exploring the extent to which teaching and social presence contribute to cognitive presence. The researcher was able to do this by offering 189 learners enrolled in 10 research methods courses and educational research courses an opportunity to use an innovative online resource (Research Design Learning Resource – RDLR) to assist them in learning about educational research and developing research proposals. By exploring how participants used this resource the researcher was able to gain insight into what factors contributed to a successful online learning experience and fostered cognitive presence. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches (mixed methods) were used in this study. The quantitative results indicated that both social and teaching presence had a strong positive relationship with cognitive presence and that learners generally perceived to have a positive learning experience using the RDLR. The qualitative findings helped elaborate the significant quantitative results and were organised into the following themes: making connections, multiple perspectives, resource design, being a self-directed learner, learning strategies, learning preferences, and barriers to cognitive presence. Future directions for critical thinking in online environments are discussed.

The perceptions of Southern and East African learners of their experience in a continuing education were examined using select dimensions of Khan’s e-learning evaluation framework as a theoretical one. This framework provided an evaluative frame in which to examine attributes of e-learning in the context of globalization, internationalization, and massification of education. This research provided a baseline of student perception about the utility and suitability of online education to meet the growing international demands for education. Technology has played a role in the delivery of education, such as that of recent emerging technologies, notably social media. Data included learner reflections and survey responses. A qualitative analysis methodology was used to analyze responses to the research questions. The findings from this research provided insight about student perceptions, engagement, and acceptance of social media as complementary tools in the delivery of educational programming for Southern and East African learners taking blended learning courses from Canadian universities with a proficient African facilitator. These findings permitted some understanding of the technological, social, cultural, and motivational challenges (Dimensions of Kahn’s framework) associated with distance education for African adult learners to permit more nuanced course design and delivery.

In this thesis, I present a framework for bridging the concepts of Social Networks and eLearning Learning Management Systems (LMSs) by finding elements and entities common to both systems, and eliminating these common elements to form an LMS Gadget which can hypothetically be used to extend any Social Network with an API that exposes User and User-Group information so that it also has the functionality of an LMS. I will also include a history of these systems, and a concrete example of such a unification. Finally, I will explore the application of the LMS Gadget to any Web Portal System that exposes User and Group management through an Application Programming Interface (API). This is an application that I conceived of, designed, and did the large majority of the programming for (with assistance on some data access routines to help meet an April 2008 conference deadline). Graphic design was provided by Amos Rowsell of Udutu Learning Systems (a private company for which I have held the role of Lead Developer since November 2005).