Learning to Initiate in the Twenty-first Century University with Blended Learning Training Ecosystems

• Published in: The international journal of learning in higher education 2013, Vol.19 (3), p.91-105
• Main Authors: Fernández Costales, Alberto, Álvarez Arregui, Emilio, Rodríguez Martín, Alejandro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blended learning; Lifelong Learning; Teacher Improvement; Teacher Qualifications
• ISSN: 2327-7955; 2327-8749
• DOI: 10.18848/2327-7955/CGP/v19i03/48659

Institutions of higher education are urged to design training scenarios that provide answers to the demands of the knowledge society where technology, information and lifelong learning play a prominent role. In this context, we have developed a blended learning training ecosystem that is currently being in different courses at undergraduate and graduate level at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of the University of Oviedo (Spain). The Ecosystem is also being extended to other university courses offered by several universities in Europe and South America. This article reports on the results of the implementation of the Ecosystem, through a sample of 450 students. Data have been collected using quantitative questionnaires and discussion groups, forums, blogs and interviews. The main conclusions drawn from the analysis show the viability of the Ecosystem in terms of low cost, increased participation, creativity, users’ satisfaction and engagement. Also, the Ecosystem has rendered a positive impact in the personal, professional and institutional spheres. In fact, it is being backed and endorsed by some of the most highly reputed innovation ecosystems in the world.