A support program for project-based active and blended learning

Abstract

To facilitate educational changes the Association K.U.Leuven has selected a support program in order to develop practical scripts for the implementation of a digital learning environment (Toledo, based on Blackboard) as a significant innovative educational tool. Toledo enables us to implement the computer supported collaborative learning. In a first pilot a cooperation between the master students of Applied Sciences and Engineering of the K.U.Leuven and the master students of Applied Engineering of the KHBO is set up. Students are introduced in project-based active and blended learning in heterogeneous teams. They have to carry out an authentic engineering task, i.e. designing the (planned) harbor breakwater in Oostende. The main aim is to actively develop and train the competences of the students which play currently a prominent role in the field of engineering education. This active way of learning in engineering education is defined as constructivistic. The instructor becomes a coach who surveys the progress of the students. The practical scripts help the coach to employ Toledo as a educational (didactic) tool. Within this paper the authors focus upon both the set-up phase of the cooperation project and the support program. At the SEFI conference 2008, they will present the evaluation outcome.

status: published