FORGE: Enhancing eLearning and research in ICT through remote experimentation

This paper presents the Forging Online Education through FIRE (FORGE) initiative, which aims to transform the Future Internet Research and Experimentation (FIRE) testbed facilities, already vital for European research, into a learning resource for higher education. From an educational perspective this project aims at promoting the notion of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) through the use of a federation of highperformance testbeds and at building unique learning paths based on the integration of a rich linked-data ontology. Through FORGE, traditional online courses will be complemented with interactive laboratory courses. It will also allow educators to efficiently create, use and re-use FIRE-based learning experiences through our tools and techniques. And, most importantly, FORGE will enable equity of access to the latest ICT systems and tools independent of location and at low cost, strengthening the culture of online experimentation tools and remote facilities.

[1]  Mathieu d'Aquin.  Linked Data for Open and Distance Learning , 2012 .

[2]  Salil S. Kanhere,et al.  Impact of an e-learning platform on CSE lectures , 2011, ITiCSE '11.

[3]  James A. Hendler,et al.  The Semantic Web" in Scientific American , 2001 .

[4]  Lyle Yorks,et al.  Collaborative inquiry for adult learning , 2002 .

[5]  Tim Berners-Lee,et al.  Linked Data - The Story So Far , 2009, Int. J. Semantic Web Inf. Syst..

[6]  da SilvaJ. Schwarz.  Future internet research , 2007 .

[7]  Maximilian Ott,et al.  From Learning to Researching - Ease the Shift through Testbeds , 2010, TRIDENTCOM.

[8]  B. Zimmerman.  A social cognitive view of self-regulated academic learning. , 1989 .

[9]  Nick McKeown,et al.  Reproducible network experiments using container-based emulation , 2012, CoNEXT '12.

[10]  K. Hakkarainen.  Emergence of Progressive-Inquiry Culture in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning , 2003 .

[11]  Dietrich Albert,et al.  Technology-mediated support for self-regulated learning in open responsive learning environments , 2011, 2011 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON).

[12]  Mark Gaved,et al.  nQuire: Technological Support for Personal Inquiry Learning , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies.

[13]  Ton de Jong,et al.  Scaffolds for computer simulation based scientific discovery learning , 2006 .

[14]  Karl Steffens,et al.  Self‐Regulated Learning in Technology‐Enhanced Learning Environments: lessons of a European peer review , 2006 .

[15]  Tilman Wolf,et al.  Teaching experiences with a virtual network laboratory , 2007, SIGCSE '07.