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Real Estate Education and Blended Learning

An Educational Briefing on the

Implementation of a Virtual Learning

Environment


• Introduction

• The context of (blended) learning

• Implementing a VLE

• Shaping the Content with Moodle

• Conclusions & Discussion


Introduction – 1• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE):

• A complex software system that helps to provide learning content and organise learning processes

• Characterised by the following elements:

• User administration

• Communication media

• Administration of modules

• Viewing of modular content, learning objects and media in a network-enabled browser


Introduction – 2• Blended learning:

• A sensible combination of traditional face-to-face instruction and state-of-the-art e-learning formats

• Networking through the Internet with ‘classical’ learning methods and media

• Main Focus

• Postgraduate real estate education

• Provision of learning incentives

• Reduction of spatial or temporal restrictions


Acronyms

CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), CBT (Computer Based Training) CMS (Course Management System), ILS (Integrated Learning Systems), LMS (Learning Management System), ODT (On Demand Training), TBL (Technology Based Learning), TEL (Technology Enhanced Learning), WBT (Web Based Training) ...


The context of (blended) learning • Didactics of teaching were not first invented in

the 21st century ....

• Is e-learning a fad?

• Face-to-face instruction: good blend of immediacy and interaction

• Interlinking virtual and face-to-face activities

• Achieving meaningful learning outcomes


Real estate education and blended learning

• Knowledge acquisition independent of time and location

• Provision of the knowledge base

• Controlling the knowledge base

Real estate education in Europe is by no means uniform


Implementing a VLE• Key issue: Does it lead to significant learning

effects ?

• Low-profile solution = „intelligent“ file storage system

• “Proprietary” vs “open-source” solutions

• Development from scratch by yourself ?

A VLE should offer a great deal more than just a facility for distributing subject matter.


In the beginning … the simple „web archive“


Shaping the Content with Moodle„Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment“

• Installation fairly easy

• Role assignments

• Wide variety of features built in: feedback,submission of assignments, quizzes, …

• No obligation to use all of them

• Expanding the range from course to course

• Just do it: “Feeding” with content

http://immobilien.tuwien.ac.atScreenshot of a topic outline within a course

Overview of modules for the students in a particular cohort [student view]


Content of one module [student view]

Syllabus, learning materials, presentations, links ...


Overview of Moodle functions [programme manager’s screen view]

Easily learned and requires minimal training...


“Assignment” [programme manager’s screen view]

Have assignments been submitted? What is missing?


Some Conclusions & Discussion

• Software solutions are available

• No need to invent a homemade solution

• Goal is not to replace human input

• Reasonable relationship between efforts and output for participants (depending on group size, …)

• Excessive expectations regarding the benefits of VLEs should be avoided

The right mix of technologies can lead to a constructive learning experience