Quality evaluation in Social Learning Environments

Abstract

This paper is the update of another one written in 2003 about quality centred on learning in distance modality systems through networks. Facts and processes of diverse order have taken place since that moment. New environments and gadgets in the social web have come up, as well as smart mobile communication. LMS’s have been institutionalised; they have not changed education but oficial education has changed them. They have been transformed into environment management systems of the activity that takes place around education, or of time, activity and resources, but in no case do they manage the learning that takes place within the LMS. The objective of this paper is, thus, to update the original paper, deleting at the same time terms and concepts that belong to obsolete technological environments and allowing a transcription with terms that overlook connections with ephemeral technologies. It is in this sense that this paper tries to outline or suggest new concepts and ideas – that of Social Learning Environment and its relationship with technological environment analysing its link to LMA based on learning theories. The paper also deals with social processes and dynamics of the social web as a new learning environment, training requirements and teacher roles requirements.