Abstract:

Learning groups are usually formed to deepen knowledge by working intensively on specific given tasks. Students and professor are physically present in one room, for direct support, questions and observation of the learning status.
A learning group for e.g. for software development training has several practical aspects where students have to write codes of a specific program which will be reviewed by the professor. This is today a classroom activity and both, the student and the professor have to be in the classroom, using a specific computer. This scenario doesn’t allow any flexibility with regards to time or location.
By implementing an open & common Enterprise Collaboration Platform (WebEx), the professor is able to offer scheduled classes where the collaboration happens through the web. In this way the student is able to ask questions, the teacher is able to give direct support and to observe the students path. The location limitation is removed.
In a second step, desktop virtualization is implemented in order to allow the use of any device, even those, where the software program is not implemented. The platform combined with desktop virtualization, allows the professor to provide program fragments and the student has to work through the web on a central server in order to complete the code or solve issues, always with his professor’s observing and supporting. The device limitation is removed.
Also the professor is now also able to work remotely and to offer non scheduled classes where he has the flexibility to do this a t a time and location of his choice and convenience.
In a third step High Definition (HD) video technology is added for a higher personal interaction getting the social aspects of a physical in class learning group into the virtual room while transporting all the non verbal parts of a communication through HD video technology. The students and professor are able to see all participants on the screen and the active speaker in real live size, depending on the device. Also here location and device limitations are substituted by complete personal choice.
In a fourth step, social software is added for after class activities, allowing efficient content and expert searching, ad hoc collaborations, blogging etc.
“Learn your way” the unified learn space concept is created to offer more flexibility for the student to personalize the individual study course and give the professor more opportunities for support, the classroom is virtualized and time limitations are removed. Due to desktop virtualization there are no security issues with BYOD.
A study and teaching environment with a high level of personalization elements increases the attractiveness as a employer and place of study. The less need for workstations and classrooms reduces the cost for the University.

Keywords:

Unified Learn Space, collaboration, virtualization, video, BYOD, Security, Attrtactiveness.