[publication] Erfahrungen und Einsichten zum Aufbau einer IT-Infrastruktur für das Lernen und Lehren in der Universitätsallianz „Unite!“ #unite #tugraz #researc

Wir haben unsere Erfahrungen und Einsichten im Rahmen der europäischen Allianz einmal zusammengefasst und unter „Erfahrungen und Einsichten zum Aufbau einer IT-Infrastruktur für das Lernen und Lehren in der Universitätsallianz „Unite!““ publiziert, damit wir gerne auch in einen gesamtheitlichen Diskurs kommen:

Die Universitätsallianz Unite! fördert seit 2019 die Mobilität der Studierenden durch die Entwicklung verschiedener IT-Plattformen. Eine umfassende Bestandsaufnahme von Martin Ebner und Sandra Schön (beide TU Graz) bietet spannende Einblicke in die aktuellen Herausforderungen zum Aufbau einer gemeinsamen IT-Infrastruktur für das Lernen und Lehren – und nennt dabei auch fallübergreifende Einsichten und Lösungen.

[Online-Beitrag bei Hoschulforum Digitalisierung]
[Beitrag bei ResearchGate]

Zitation: Ebner, M. & Schön, S. (2024) Erfahrungen und Einsichten zum Aufbau einer IT-Infrastruktur für das Lernen und Lehren in der Universitätsallianz „Unite!“, Hochschulforum Digitalisierung, online am 18.11.24, https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/universitaetsallianz-unite/

[publication] Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances #tugraz

We made a contribution about our outcomes of the European alliance titled „Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances

Abstract:
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, European universities are increasingly relying on digital technologies for collaboration and learning. European Universities, as transnational alliances, aim to reshape higher education by fostering academic exchange and innovation across borders. With over 40 alliances in existence, enhancing virtual mobility and exchange through interconnected learning infrastructures has become imperative. This paper provides insights into Learning Management System (LMS) adoption within European alliances, focusing on the Unite! alliance as a case study. While Unite! demonstrates successful implementation of Moodle as its central LMS, challenges persist in achieving uniformity across all partners. A desktop analysis of European alliances reveals that Moodle might be the most often used LMS in February 2023. A description of the LMS implementation within the Unite! analysis shows as well that a majority uses Moodle – at least as a second LMS. So, although the decision for a federated LMS based on Moodle might be the right one, these results as well indicate the need for tailored technical solutions for future developments for some partners and disparities in lecturers‘ and students‘ concerning a Moodle so that pre-emptive measures to ensure equitable participation are important. Despite these challenges, Unite!’s experience underscores the potential of Moodle as a widely adopted platform, prompting further exploration into solutions like LTI integration.

[article @ proceeding’s homepage]
[article @ ResearchGate]

Citation: Ebner, M., Schön, S., Alcober, J., Bertonasco, R., Herczak-Ciara, A., Hoppe, C., Martikainen, J., Muchitsch, M., Petersson, J. and da Silva, F.M. (2024) ‘Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances’, Ubiquity Proceedings, 4(1), p. 37. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5334/uproc.159.

[publication] Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite! #tugraz #research

Our research about „Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!“ was published at this year’s ED-Media conference in Brussels.

Abstract:
This paper explores the challenges and first experiences of implementing federated virtual learning management within the European University Alliance Unite!. Through the lens of Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), the study investigates the complexities inherent in connecting Learning Management Systems (LMS) across diverse institutional contexts. This research examines the general hurdles faced by European university alliances in adopting federated LMS. Additionally, it outlines the LMS infrastructure of Unite! in early 2024 and discusses the pilot initiatives undertaken to utilize LTI for connecting LMS platforms at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). The pilots involve integrating Unite!’s Metacampus with various platforms, including Moodle-based systems from TU Graz. Drawing from these pilot experiences, the paper presents insights and lessons learned regarding the efficacy of LTI in facilitating cross-platform connectivity within Unite! and offers implications for future implementations.

[article @ publisher’s homepage]
[article @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Schön, S., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Gasplmayr, K., Hohla-Sejkora, K., Leitner, P. & Taraghi, B. (2024). Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 123-136). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224514/.

[publication] The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance #tugraz #unite #research

Our this year’s publication at ED-Conference 2024 in Brussels was about Teaching Management Patterns and titled „The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance

Abstract:
This paper introduces Teaching Management Patterns (TMP) as a descriptive and communicative framework for addressing challenges and decision-making processes related to IT infrastructure in the Unite! European university alliance. The aim is to support decision-making and consultation in utilizing the alliance’s IT infrastructure effectively. TMP offer abstract descriptions for educational scenarios, considering factors such as organizational structures, technical capabilities, legal frameworks, and didactic requirements. The paper presents the development of these patterns specifically for the Unite! alliance, highlighting their role in decision support for using the transversal, alliance wide learning management system, Metacampus. Three exemplary cases are presented to illustrate the challenges, including continuing education for staff, joint lectures involving multiple universities, and research contributions. The patterns are categorized based on their compatibility with Metacampus, providing visual representations. The paper also introduces a decision tree as a counseling tool for determining the appropriateness of using Metacampus, considering legal and organizational restrictions. In conclusion, TMP offer a systematic approach for addressing IT infrastructure complexities in a European university alliance. The presented patterns and decision tree serve as valuable consultation tools for decision-making processes regarding the use of the alliance’s IT infrastructure.

[article @ publisher’s homepage]
[article @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Schön, S., Gasplmayr, K., Ebner, M., Alcober, J., Hoppe, C., Koschutnig-Ebner, M., de Silva, F.M. & Taraghi, B. (2024). The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 137-146). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224515/.

[presentation] Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite! #unite! #tugraz #research

The next presentation at this year’s ED-Media conference is „Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!„. Find here our slides:

[Link to slides @ ResearchGate]

[presentation] The Development of „Teaching Management Patterns“ from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a Tool for Consulting and Further Development in a European University Alliance #unite #tugraz #research

The next presentation at this year’s ED-Media conference is „The Development of „Teaching Management Patterns“ from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a Tool for Consulting and Further Development in a European University Alliance„. Find here our slides:

[Link to slides @ ResearchGate]

[imoox] Week 4: Open Science and Strategies #oer #OpenEducation #mooc

Our MOOC on „Open Educational Resources in Higher Education“ for the European alliance UNITE! is reaching the last week – number 4 :-). This time we are discussing the role of OER within Open Science and strategies for implementation in higher education:

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And don’t to forget to change the language, all videos are offered in 11 different languages: [free registration link to the open course]

[mooc] Week 3: Open Educational Resources in Higher Education #tugraz #unite! #imoox #OER

Our MOOC on „Open Educational Resources in Higher Education“ for the European alliance UNITE! is reaching week three. This time we are discussing how to produce and publish OER and you can learn about the OER-Canvas. So I guess it will be interesting content and you can join us for free 🙂

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And don’t to forget to change the language, all videos are offered in 11 different languages: [free registration link to the open course]

[mooc] Start des MOOCs „Open Educational Resources in Higher Education“ #imoox #unite! #tugraz

Es freut uns sehr, dass nach langer Vorbereitung es nun endlich soweit ist – der MOOC zu „Open Educational Resources in Higher Education“ startet und es ist ein MOOC mit vielen Besonderheiten, denn das Ziel ist hiermit eine Lehrveranstaltung im Rahmen der europäischen Allianz UNITE! anzubieten. Damit stehen wir unweigerlich vor der schwierigen Herausforderung verschiedenster Landessprachen, wenn wir nicht uns generell auf eine verständigen. Im Zeitalter künstlicher Intelligenz haben wir daher uns zu einem Experiment entschlossen – wir wollten die Videos in allen Landessprachen anbieten, vorgetragen von KI-generierten Avataren und unterstützt von KI-Software was die Übersetzungen betrifft. Wie gut uns das gelungen ist, kann man nun einsehen – also anmelden und mitmachen, wir hoffen ja auch, dass der Inhalt ansprechend ist.

Open Educational Resources (kurz OER) sind Bildungsmaterialien, die frei zugänglich sind und bearbeitet, angepasst und weitergegeben werden können, ohne gegen Urheberrechte zu verstoßen. Das gelingt, weil dazu sog. „offene Lizenzen“ oder gemeinfreie Materialien genutzt werden.
In diesem Kurs wird in das Konzept von Open Educational Resources für Studierende und Lehrende an Hochschulen eingeführt. OER sind nicht nur für internationale Vereinigungen wie UNESCO ein wichtiges bildungspolitisches Thema, OER sind auch ein Bestandteil der Forderung nach „Open Science“.
Im Kurs wird zudem gezeigt, wie und wo OER gesucht und veröffentlicht werden können. Und natürlich werden auch offene Lizenzen wie CC-0, CC BY und CC BY-SA erklärt.
Hintergrund dieses mehrsprachigen MOOC-Angebots ist das gemeinsame Projekt „Unite! OER courses“ aller neun Hochschulen der europäischen Universitätsallianz Unite!.

Das erste Video im MOOC (in der Sprache deutsch):

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[Link zur kostenlosen Anmeldung]

WICHTIG: wenn man eine andere Sprache ausprobieren möchte, einfach im Menü die entsprechende wählen, die Videos werden dann automatisch in dieser Sprache zur Verfügung gestellt.

Und nein, weder Sandra noch ich sind einem dieser Videos zu sehen, es sind ausschließlich unsere Avatare 🙂