In 1841 the innovation of cutting large slates transformed
educational practices from individual to group experiences through
the introduction of the chalkboard. Today the situation is quite similar:
engineering students are relying on PC-based individual work.
Technologically
and pedagogically state of the art distance teaching programs aim, however, at
collaborative work through asynchronous teaching, periodic meetings for maintaining
a social dimension, and often Audio-Video and Data (AVD) communications.
Current
AVD systems force teachers to manipulate complex equipment while teaching and
mostly exchange freeze-frames, as opposed to dynamic data, due to bandwidth
and image quality limitations. To deploy AVD communications in engineering
education at a large scale, new didactical approaches are required.
AVD-Merge proposes the development of new pedagogical frameworks, a
knowledge base of organized expert and collective end user knowledge on
best practices, technical advise, and didactical methodologies, and
eLearning programs targeting teaching staff on the effective integration
of AVD communication in the teaching process.
The project results will benefit
both teachers and students, who are the ultimate recipients of effective
teaching. After project completion, the knowledge base will be partly sustained
by a network of experts, teachers, and end users who will provide value-adding
content through the provided services.
The AvdMerge
informational leaflet
provides an overview of the project
objectives.
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