Abstract
1- Introduction
2- Methodology
3- Results
4- Conclusion
5- References
Abstract
The Politehnica University of Timisoara integrates information technologies into education. It adapted its teaching and learning processes by introducing a blended learning system. This paper represents an inside-out approach of the Virtual Campus Moodle based platform. Integrating the Virtual Campus into teaching meant: online, constant and continuous academic and communication support, communication tools, tools for supporting / developing / teaching the activity, improving the academic activity as well as the involvement and motivation of the students. The rate of success of students` presence on the Virtual Campus (VC) can be discussed and explored after analyzing the correlation between their activity on the VC and the grades obtained. To do so, we have analyzed the grades of the 2nd year students from all 3 specializations ran by the eLearning Centre: Informatics; Electronics and Telecommunication; and Communication and Public Relations. We have conducted a study case aimed to find correlations between the activity on VC and the final grades of the 2nd year students, by the end of the first semester. This study case raises awareness upon finding more efficient communication tools/ways between students, teachers and administrative staff.
Introduction
Trying to become a leading higher education provider by entering the Top 500 World Universities, Politehnica University of Timisoara integrates information technologies into education. It adapted its teaching and learning processes by introducing a blended learning system. The ID / IFR and eLearning Center (CeL) – a special department of the University has developed UPT’s Virtual Campus, an online educational environment for academic and administrative support for all UPT faculties and for distance learning. The Virtual Campus is a communication interface between the administration, teachers and students and a basis for direct interaction between teachers and students. Developed since 2000 by specialists working in the University, the platform has been constantly modified and enhanced, every year the data is being reorganized, reshaped and updated. The main goal of the Virtual Campus is to integrate online learning and mobile learning modules for students from academic training courses through distance learning, as well as academic and administrative support for Master and PhD students (blended learning). It addresses to the students, management team and tutors currently active in the University.