Calls for papers

 

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning

 

Special Issue on: "Technology Enhanced Learning in FP5-FP6 and FP7 Programmes of the European Union: A European Citizen/Learner Perspective – Real World Learning Services – Missing Opportunities – Great Challenges"

Guest Editor:
Miltiadis Lytras, University of Patras, Greece

Research in Europe is a key pillar of a highly competitive European Union. It is a fact that billions of Euros are invested in innovative research projects in various domains the last decade. But as always there is a social concern: how fast the research outcomes reach the potential beneficiaries and how well designed and implemented the dissemination outcomes are that will transform leading edge research to high development rates and real services adopted by European citizens. In other words, at a basic level, there is a key question about demonstrating best practices and innovative services which are open and available to all European citizens.

This special issue emphasises on the research in technology enhanced learning at European level. With FP5 completed couple years ago and FP6 near to completion, it is timely to investigate, from a European learner perspective, the real outcomes as well as the challenges for the future.

The key reason for this special issue is this: in most of cases, people like to "undervalue" the significance of research contributions; e.g. the typical critique that is made about R&D projects at a European level relates to the day after the end of budgeted timeline. What happens with the deliverables, how many of the systems are commercialised or adopted in target markets, how many consortiums continue to offer their services after the end of projects?

But as always the reality is not black or white. Brilliant researchers, high capacity teams are working in TEL at European level and this special issue aims to honour their contribution in the vision for learning for anyone, at any time, at any place in Europe.

Subject Coverage
With the previous concerns in mind, this special issue is organised around four key pillars:

1. Investigation/survey of real world learning services offered from FP5 & FP6 projects - demonstration of innovation
2. Best practices in dissemination of scientific research outcomes in the context of TEL R&D projects
3. Commercialisation cases
4. Analysis of return on investments: integration of research outcomes in industry, etc

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Learning services at European level
• Learning objects portals
• Best practice in TEL
• Qualitative analysis of TEL cluster projects: A meta-analysis of deliverables and value offerings
• Performance gaps in TEL projects: proposal promises versus real, delivered systems
• Case studies, lessons learned
• Knowledge dissemination strategies
• European learners' perspectives
• Challenges for TEL in FP7

Notes for Prospective Authors

Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere

All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available on the Author Guidelines page

Important Dates

4-5 Pages Extended Abstract: 30 October 2007

Notification to Authors: 15 November 2007

Final Versions Due: 15 December 2007