Some results of the research conducted at the University of Silesia in the framework of the international research network IRNet

This article presents a number of results of the research conducted within the European IRNet Project: International Research Network for study and development of new tools and methods for advanced pedagogical science in the field of ICT instruments, e-learning and intercultural competences. In the research described a tool was used to retrieve data on students’ beliefs and expectations about ICT-enhanced learning, and their emerging needs for intercultural development. The expected result was an analysis of the students’ views and attitudes towards various educational processes within the scope of their academic study, entailing ICT, intercultural and professional competences. The study targets students from Poland and from other partner countries. The retrieved data in the research have allowed to explore the state of the art in ICT-, learning- and intercultural competences. On top of that, cross-cultural analyses will be conducted and will be compared with results, received by partners from other countries. At a later stage of project research (Work Package 2 - Work Package 7 (www.irnet.us.edu.pl) recommendations for Higher Education in the included countries will be formulated

Use of the Distance Learning Platform of The Faculty of Ethnology and Sciences of Education in Cieszyn (University of Silesia) in teacher training

This article presents examples of good practice in comprehensive, systematic and effective use of the distance learning platform of The Faculty of Ethnology and Sciences of Education in Cieszyn (University of Silesia), based on CLMS MOODLE system, in order to: 1) provide pedagogical support for teaching programme courses, run in the full-time and part-time mode (hybrid learning), 2) train future teachers in distance learning – to use e-learning in own profession and to act as tutors, 3) help teaching staff as well as graduate and post-graduate students to carry out scientific research and pedagogical experiments 4) provide access to educational materials for students and other users. This article contains numerous screenshots of specimen distance courses and other resources, available on the platform

Editorial

The policy goal of the technology literacy approach is to enable learners, citizens, and the workforce to use ICT in order to support social development nd to improve economic productivity. Related policy goals include increasing enrolments, making high-quality resources available to everyone, and improving literacy skills. Teachers should be aware of these goals and be able to identify the components of education reform programmes that correspond to these policy goals. Corresponding changes in the curriculum entailed by this approach might include improving basic literacy skills through technology and adding the development of ICT skills into relevant curriculum contexts (UNESCO, 2011) […]

About Some Basic Aspects of Distance Learning

E-learning - is one of the basic, modern forms of teaching today. In this article the following concepts are discussed and commented on: different models of distance learning, types of distance courses, structure of the distance Internet-course and other important categories, which deal with the concept of distance learning: key considerations in designing distance learning courses, guidelines for the comprehensive assessment of course distribution versions, the teacher's competences in area of distance learning, and other issues.Uniwersytet Śląski, IV

Smart university in smart society – some trends

It is one of the responsibilities of universities to develop students’ work readiness. A smart university, as part of a smart city, is no longer limited to providing technologies inside and outside classrooms. Such a general scenario and the preceding statement confirms the thesis at the basis of this study: there is a need for a change of the current model of the modern university from smart to smarter. E-learning is a global category and all kinds of institutions need highly qualified specialists and staff that can handle different working cultures and have an international open-minded perspective. In the last part of the article the author describes an example of an innovative MA Programme for preparing new generation specialists.UŚ, MNIS

ICEdu Tech 2016 report from a Scientific Conference in RMIT, Melbourne

ICEduTech (http://icedutech-conf.org/) is a scientific conference addressing the real topics as seen by teachers, students, parents, and school leaders. Scientists, professionals, and institutional leaders are invited to be informed by experts, and to increase the understanding of what education needs and how to achieve it

E-learning and lifelong learning

Digital literacy and other key competences are an essential condition of the preparation of specialists in the knowledge society, and employability of workforce and of all citizens. In this context, not only formal education but also non-formal and informal education will be of crucial importance for lifelong learning. E-learning is one of the main, modern forms, methods, technologies of teaching and learning today. In the present article the author considers the relation between e-learning and lifelong learning: the challenge and prospects for the future; comparative characterisation of Formal, Non-formal and Informal (Distance) Learning; new proposals of Postgraduate studies and specialization in the context of the New Digital Agenda for Europe 2013-2014 and some research outcomes – results of a student survey in the area of e-learning.Uniwersytet Śląsk

Editorial

“Commission Staff Working Document. Annex II. Results of the public consultation on the EU’s modernisation agenda for higher education” presents “the key findings of the public consultation on the future of the EU’s agenda for the modernisation of higher education systems. The results of the consultation underpin the specific initiatives related to higher education presented in the Skills Agenda and will inform the EU’s future strategy for the modernisation of higher education […]

Use of distance learning in the training of professionals in the Knowledge Society

E-learning - is one of the basic, modern forms of teaching today. In the present article will be considered and presented some trends, statistics, examples, most recommended information and educational technologies in distance learning, and also a place for distance learning in the knowledge society and its role in the preparation of today's leading professionals will be mentioned.Uniwersytet Śląsk