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Introduction

The Open Learning Environment (OLE) Project, which is part of the User-Oriented Information Technology (USIX) programme, started in February 1999. The OLE Project is co-ordinated by the Hypermedia Laboratory of the Digital Media Institute (DMI) at the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). The project is financed jointly by the National Technology Agency and Finnish companies.

The aim of the OLE Project is to develop and research an open learning environment (A&O) suitable for distance learning over computer networks. Both self-paced study and collaboration with a teacher and other learners are incorporated, and the environment enables both personal guidance and the giving and receiving of feedback. The multidisciplinary research team of the OLE Project consists of specialists in technology, content matter and pedagogy.

The design of the learning environment aims at a full utilisation of the potential of IT, including information networks and hypermedia-based courseware, and strives to accommodate a variety of learning contents, studying habits and learning styles in a pedagogically appropriate manner.

Cooperation Partners

The Research Partner

The Open Learning Environment Project involves several partners. The co-ordinator and research partner of the project is the Hypermedia Laboratory of the Digital Media Institute (DMI) at the Tampere University of Technology (TUT).

The Business Partners

The business partners of the OLE project are the following:

Steering Enterprises:

• TEKES - National Technology Agency
• Aurinkolinna E-Training Center
• City of Tampere
• CSC - Centre for Scientific Computing
• Decretum Solutions Ltd
• Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP)
• Oy Media Tampere Ltd
• National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health
• Satakunta Region Telephone Company
• Tampere Technology Centre
• TUT/Edutech - Centre for Continuing Education

Follow-up Enterprises:

• Finnish Broadcasting Company
• Ministry of Education

Research Activity

The research activity of the OLE Project is organised under pilot projects designed to conduct field experiments on distance learning over multimedia networks and to accumulate feedback on the functionality of both the technical and the pedagogical solutions.

The Pilot Projects:

• A&O - Development of the Open Learning Environment
• OLE for Aurinkolinna E-training Centre
• Executive Training - Knowledge Assessment in OLE
• FMS Driving License
• Influencing Skills in the Information Society
• The Environment Net - Environmental Education in OLE
• Seamless Service Chain in Social Welfare and Health Care in OLE
• Videoconferencing in OLE
• Web University - International Distance Learning over High-Speed Internet

Contact

For further information contact: