Abstract:

Here we present a model of a system that is capable of responding to the training needs identified by the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). In addition to supporting the typical needs of distance learning/education (e.g., e-learning), it is also intended that this system will complement the traditional classroom-based teaching. This model will have two layers: the physical/infrastructural layer; and the policies/practices layer.

Currently, e-learning at UTAD is at a very early stage, with the total number of courses available being very low. This may be due, among other, to the lack of teacher training, lack of technical support, lack of specific tools and lack of institutional support policies. An exception to this rule is the existence of a platform for teaching support (called SIDE---side.utad.pt), developed at UTAD and which has been used systematically over the last decade. However, SIDE works more like a teaching management platform (e.g., student management, assessment schedules management, attendance management, schedules management, etc.) rather than as a platform for the dissemination and management of online content and courses.

To fulfill the aims above, the physical/infrastructural layer will have the following (control and management) components or modules: e-learning platforms (e.g., Moodle, Skai) with SIDE interconnection; website with educational/training offer and e-learning events; media repository; file storage and sharing service; collaborative/cooperative platform, for the sharing of information and knowledge; scientific repository, for the storage and sharing of work and scientific research, books, conferences, etc.; forum; ticket service/helpdesk, to help solving problems that may arise; CRM service (management, relationship and customer satisfaction---student, teachers, other); Learning Analytics system (collection of information about the quality of teaching, evolution and student analysis in the e-learning mode, etc.).
Additionally, there will be (physical) assessment/examination space (laboratory), a contents production studio, and a training studio.

The policies/practices layer includes the institution policies, and including policies for the creation/dissemination of curses, implementation of course evaluation strategies and continuous improvement, training policies, recognition of the merit and effort of teachers, the training in using the system, the policies for the creation of physical spaces equipped with the necessary tools (computers, cameras, video-conferencing, etc.), among other. In line with these, UTAD has come to recognize that e-learning should be part of its strategy for its training offer and, consequently, is being adopting new policies, namely through the signing of protocols with other institutions with more experience using e-learning.

To achieve these objectives, a detailed review of other models and systems that have been successfully implemented in other international reference universities will also be presented.

Keywords:

Education, e-learning, system, higher education, collaboration.