Title: Learning Operations Research online: benefits, challenges, and experiences

Authors: Javier Faulin, Angel A. Juan, Pau Fonseca, Lluis M. Pla, Sara V. Rodriguez

Addresses: Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Public University of Navarre, Los Magnolios Building, First Floor, Campus Arrosadia, 31006 Pamplona, Navarre, Spain. ' Department of Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunication, Open University of Catalonia, Rambla del Poblenou, 156, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. ' Department of Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunication, Open University of Catalonia, Rambla del Poblenou, 156, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. ' Department of Mathematics, University of Lleida, Campus Cappont, c./Jaume II, 73, 25001 Lleida, Spain. ' Department of Mathematics, University of Lleida, Campus Cappont, c./Jaume II, 73, 25001 Lleida, Spain

Abstract: Information technologies offer new ways to teach and learn Operations Research (OR): on the one hand, they have driven the growth of distance learning opportunities; on the other hand, they facilitate the shifting to an emergent educational paradigm, which considers students as active and central actors in their learning process. The use of computer software and collaborative e-learning as methodological policies to increase students| motivation for OR are also discussed in this paper. Thus, we describe lessons learned in some real experiences, developed during the last years at four different universities in Spain, regarding the teaching and learning of OR.

Keywords: OR education; operations research; e-learning; computer-supported collaborative learning; operational research; online learning; electronic learning; motivation; Spain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2009.025826

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2009 Vol.5 No.1, pp.42 - 53

Received: 09 Apr 2008
Accepted: 30 Sep 2008
Published online: 24 May 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article