2006 Kaleidoscope Highlights

Kaleidoscope Vision Statement
Members of the Network crafted a new scientific vision statement outlining the future of technology-enhanced learning research in Europe. 

Kaleidoscope Mission Statement
In March, the Dissemination Team, in collaboration with the Core Group, developed a new mission statement for the Network, stressing the importance of sustainable, scientific research in TEL. 

Case studies
The Dissemination Team continues the important exercise of gathering case studies. These demonstrate how Kaleidoscope researchers work with end users, software developers and business R&D - at home, at work and in education, we present a variety of case studies developed in collaboration with individual and organisational members of the network.

National policies as they relate to Technology Enhanced Learning
The Dissemination Team has begun gathering information about national policy as it relates to TEL.  Currently it has obtained information for the following countries:
Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Descriptions of Kaleidoscope research activities
The Dissemination Team underwent a collaborative exercise in which we engaged each of the Kaleidoscope activities to update their descriptions, current achievements, and issues to address for the future.  We also helped them develop statements for other stakeholders, including the general public and policymakers.
(http://www.noe-kaleidoscope.org/pub/network/)


EVENTS (reverse chronological order)

Kaleidoscope was represented at some key external events, including:

Online Educa Berlin 2006  (29 November  - 1 December)

• Nicolas Balacheff gave a plenary speech about TeLearn and the importance of Open Archives.  An interview with Nicolas Balacheff, Kaleidoscope scientific manager, appears here: http://www.icwe.net/oeb_special/news29.php  (photo: http://www.online-educa.com/images/pictures/061201_research-2.jpg
• Learning Patterns for the Design and Deployment of Mathematical Games conducted a workshop intended as an interactive forum in which to discuss the important issues and challenges that arise when attempting to capture the knowledge sharing process involved in the design and development of game environments for learning. 
  
• Kaleidoscope had a demonstration stand in the exhibition area of the conference, which provided a wonderful opportunity to meet a cross section of those interested in eLearning, from teachers and practitioners to those from SMEs. 

Nicolas Balacheff and Sally Reynolds conducted a workshop on the challenges, needs and benefits of Open Archives, using TeLearn as an example.

A special hands-on researchers workshop was presented by leader of the Kaleidoscope User's Group, and Eden Vice-president, Claudio Dondi together with Roberto Carneiro, former Minister of Euducation, Catholic University, Portugal.  The workshop focused on three case studies: Learning patterns for the design and deployment of mathematical games, led by Niall Winters, London Knowledge Lab , Institute of Education , University of London, UK; Design Patterns for recording and analysing usage of learning systems, led by Donatallo Persico, Institute of Educational Technology, National Research Council, Italy (Istituto Tecnologie Didattiche - Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche; and Technology enhanced learning to facilitate self-regulated learning, led by Karl Steffans, University of Cologne , Germany.

Held in Paris, the goal of the event was to promote the scientific professions, highlighting research breakthroughs and showcasing European research and innovation.  Major players from scientific, institutional and private spheres from across Europe came together over the course of four days. They presented their latest research projects and initiatives to an audience of 40 000, which included researchers, professionals and the general public. The Région Rhône-Alpes presented key research initiatives (at regional, national, and European levels), all of which are led in the Rhone-Alps region.  Kaleidoscope was represented by Nicolas Balacheff and Brice Rousseau (shown, below) of CNRS (France).

In April, Kaleidoscope members Nicolas Balacheff (CNRS, France), Sten Ludvigsen (Intermedia, Norway), Frank Fischer (KMRC, Germany), Ton de Jong (Universiteit Twente, Netherlands) and Mike Sharples (University of Nottingham, United Kingdom), participated in a session at the leading American conference on educational research, hosted annually by the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Some 14,000 education researchers from around the globe attended this year's conference, held in San Francisco.