The E-learning Circle – a holistic software design tool for e-learning

In their article “The E-learning Circle - a holistic software design tool for e-learning” Kolås and Staupe, Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology introduce E-learning Circle as a tool to improve the quality of software design processes of e-learning systems. The research method, which relies on Grounded Theory, is described detailed enough to be adopted by others. Different types of uses of the circle model are discussed.

Abstract
The article introduces the E-learning Circle, a tool developed to assure the quality of the software design process of e-learning systems, considering pedagogical principles as well as technology. The E-learning Circle consists of a number of concentric circles which are divided into three sectors. The content of the inner circles is based on pedagogical principles, while the outer circle specifies how the pedagogical principles may be implemented with technology. The circle’s centre is dedicated to the subject taught, ensuring focus on the specific subject’s properties. The three sectors represent the student, the teacher and the learning objectives. The strengths of the E-learning Circle are the compact presentation combined with the overview it provides, as well as the usefulness of a design tool dealing with complexity, providing a common language and embedding best practice. The E-learning Circle is not a prescriptive method, but is useful in several design models and processes. The article presents two projects where the E-learning Circle was used as a design tool.
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Source: e-learning and education (eleed)