Introducing ICT in a traditional higher education environment: background, design and evaluation of a blended approach

Traditional higher educational learning practise uses the information transfer model where knowledge is passed from the experts (tutors) to the learners (students) by means of lectures and text books. New educational models based on constructivism may be used in parallel with traditional learning introducing a blended (or enhanced) learning approach. In such a blended environment, organizational, educational and technological issues need to be considered as a whole. In this work, we describe our experience and evaluation results from the introduction of such an enhanced model in a traditional higher education institute. The focus of this effort is to build a flexible and cost-effective model based on three key concepts: web technology, simulation and adaptation. Initial evaluation has showed that the traditional learning process has boosted student productivity and resulted in a more relaxed educational experience. Results were based on access log analysis in the frame of a computer science undergraduate course. The evaluation sought to measure the impact of this pilot application on current practises and pedagogy.