Title: An Open Source Software Directory for Aeronautics and Space

Authors: Andreas Schreiber (German Aerospace Center (DLR)), Roberto Galoppini (SourceForge), Michael Meinel (German Aerospace Center (DLR)), Tobias Schlauch (German Aerospace Center (DLR))

Abstract: In aerospace engineering, as well as in many other disciplines, many software tools are developed. Often, it is hard to get an overview of already existing software. Sometimes this leads to multiple development of software, if nobody is able to determine whether a software for a specific tasks exist already or not. Therefore, in companies and organizations there is a need for a directory of exiting software. The German Aerospace Center has built such a directory based on the Open Source software Allura, which is the base software that drives the Open Source hosting platform SourceForge.net. Allura has been customized to the needs of the aerospace domain. The result is a software portal for the aerospace research community, that allow to register and categorize software. It is intended to be used both for Open Source and proprietary software. Employees of the German Aerospace Center as well as the public can search for existing software. This reduces the amount of software developed twice and allows to get in touch with colleagues who developed similar software.

This contribution to OpenSym 2014 will be made available as part of the OpenSym 2014 proceedings on or after August 27, 2014.

Title: Collaborative Learning of Translation: The Case of TransWiki in Macao

Authors: Hari Venkatesan (University of Macau), Robert P. Biuk-Aghai (University of Macau), Michele Notari (University of Teacher Education Bern)

Abstract: Pedagogy has undergone a paradigm shift since the focus changed from uni-directional transmission to collaborative construction of knowledge. The social constructivist approach calls for pedagogy to facilitate interaction between learners involved in collaborative problem solving of real life tasks. This paper describes a wikibased implementation of this approach (TransWiki) in the learning of translation. The paper examines issues that arise both from the perspective of the learner/user and the pedagogue and discusses solutions supported by the customization of the wiki system. User surveys and a case study indicate that the platform for collaboration is generally well received, but there is marked ambivalence with regard to the advantages of asynchronous collaboration through TransWiki over real-time face-to-face discussions. From the perspective of the instructor, the platform is seen as enabling scaffolding and providing a wealth of data that could inform pedagogy.

This contribution to OpenSym 2014 will be made available as part of the OpenSym 2014 proceedings on or after August 27, 2014.

Title: Opening Lesson Plans to Support Teaching Innovation and Open Educational Resources Adoption

Authors: Manuel Caeiro Rodríguez (Universidad de Vigo)

Abstract: Edu-AREA is a web 2.X application that aims at supporting teaching during the whole life-cycle of lesson plans development, from design, facilitating the creation and the re-use of previous lesson plans, activities and resources provided by other users, to monitor and reflection, enabling teachers to register all types of evidences and comments. Edu-AREA also allows users (e.g.,  other teachers, students, parents) to comment and provide feedback to OLP. Accounting for these pieces of feedback will contribute to the detection of problems, the adoption of innovations and the implementation of effective improvements. In addition, the development of an appropriate recognition policy (e.g. badges for teachers) and the provision of “curation” facilities will support the identification of valuable educational resources, activities and experiences. In this contribution we show the main ideas and functionalities underlying this application.

This contribution to OpenSym 2014 will be made available as part of the OpenSym 2014 proceedings on or after August 27, 2014.

Title: Strategies for Promoting OER in Course Development and Course Delivery in an ODL Environment

Authors: Sheng Hung Chung (Wawasan Open University)

Abstract: This study discusses the phases involved for the development of  OER-based course materials namely the OER course integration using Wikibooks; evaluation of Quality Assurance (QA) in OER learning content; promoting and exploring OER repositories; CC licensing discussions and establishment of collective feedback sessions at Wawasan Open University (WOU), Penang, Malaysia. The learning design for the computing courses with engagement of learning experiences and feedbacks from different stakeholders in Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment are taken into consideration as one of the major components in the OER-based course development and revision phases. The OER-based computing course comprises of course units, self-test, unit practice exercises, assessments, mini project and activities are delivered in ODL mode in three consecutive semesters span from 2013 till 2014. Evaluations and studies are being carried out at end of each semesters for the by the course team members on the primary aspects focusing on learners’ participation rate of OER resources; LMS learners’ activities and assessments evaluation. The OER development engagement involved multiple stakeholders (i.e. learners, instructors, course coordinators and External Course Assessors) from different levels aiming to promote the use and understanding of OER in ODL environment.

This contribution to OpenSym 2014 will be made available as part of the OpenSym 2014 proceedings on or after August 27, 2014.