DIGITAL LIBRARY
E-LEARNING EXPERIENCES: HOW CAN TECHNOLOGY ASSIST IN QUALITY DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
Hellenic Open University (GREECE)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2013 Proceedings
Publication year: 2013
Pages: 865-871
ISBN: 978-84-616-3847-5
ISSN: 2340-1095
Conference name: 6th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 18-20 November, 2013
Location: Seville, Spain
Abstract:
The interest in adult education is not new. The objective of continuing education aiming to further career opportunities and professional development is, despite the economic recession, high in the political agendas of governments. The social contribution of such incentive is to encourage adults of all ages and of all stages to appreciate the importance of education to their lives and in the society as a whole. In this respect, a wide range of courses i.e. short, long, summer etc. offer programs which can lead to a qualification; can be used immediately by the trainee in his work; provide opportunities to explore specialised subjects; offer potential for career development. Under the prism of technological advancements, the distance learning courses which offer all the above opportunities without the need of physical presence are particularly popular. Such courses offer the flexibility to study at the learner’s own pace and place and in his convenience.

The present paper will explore the e-learning environment used for short-courses through the method of distance learning organized by the Hellenic Open University. The information and communication was managed through a platform which was created using the Moodle virtual learning environment. It will be explored how the technology was used to support the trainees and to trigger their interest and learning process. A number of examples will be used and the feedback from the learners will be analyzed to provide a basis for further enhancement and improvement.
Keywords:
Distance learning, technology, e-learning.