Abstract:

This paper presents the development process for designing and implementing an innovative pilot course under the ERASMUS+ project, FLeD (Learning Design for Flexible Education), to promote flexible and effective pedagogical practices in higher education. This project arises in response to the identified need for effective learning in digitally mediated contexts, going beyond the mere adaptation of traditional teaching methods to virtual contexts, a gap highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the European Digital Education Plan.

The pilot project aims to explore and expand digital competencies and pedagogical innovation among the teaching staff of the six participating universities, which others can subsequently replicate.

The main goal of the FLeD project is to help design flexible learning scenarios by applying the Flipped Learning (FL) method and optimising digital technologies to maximise asynchronous time and promote a sustainable shift towards flexible education.

The objectives of the pilot design include testing the effectiveness of the FLeD project's tool, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the process, and refining resources to ensure a playful experience and the development of inclusive learning scenarios. The phases of this pilot project cover preparation, implementation, evaluation, discussion, and refinement, emphasising co-designing FL scenarios, implementation in a real context, gathering evidence, and analysis for continuous improvement.

During the preparation phase, learner personas were defined, and participants were selected, followed by an online workshop. In the implementation phase, teachers collaborated in the design of FL scenarios, registered in the FLeD tool, co-created FL scenarios, received peer feedback, and shared scenarios. The scenarios were implemented in real contexts with the support of the FLeD tool and the guidelines provided.

The pilot course began in December 2023, with teachers designing its content and familiarising themselves with the FLeD platform. Course scenarios are currently being implemented, and assessment instruments are being applied.

By promoting innovative teaching practices and providing a pedagogical framework and guidelines for developing innovative learning scenarios, this project contributes to training teachers who are better prepared to use flexible and effective teaching strategies. The pilot project raises awareness of flipped learning by testing and refining the resources designed. It facilitates the adoption of pedagogical approaches that respond better to students' needs in diverse contexts (face-to-face, hybrid, and online).

The successful implementation of the FLeD Project can transform how teaching is pedagogically designed in universities, making it more adaptable, inclusive, and engaging. Furthermore, by emphasising collaboration, feedback, and iterative improvement, the project establishes a model for continuous pedagogical innovation, impacting the quality of higher education and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Keywords:

Flipped learning, learning design, flexible teaching, digital pedagogy, educational technologies.