OPEN SOURCE TECHNOLOGY AS AN OPTION FOR AN ALBANIAN UNIVERSITY WITH NO ONLINE PLATFORM: CAN IT BE USED TO IMPROVE LEARNING?
Abstract
Online platforms are a worthy opportunity for extended learning, peer collaboration, and joint efforts outside the university classroom. However, in order to offer such a pedagogical tool, the online environment needs to be designed for teachers and students alike. The University of Tirana does not offer such platforms and hence, this study explores whether other open source platforms could be used to fulfill the aims and objectives of the subjects offered at this university. The results of this research, comparing two groups of students’ performance of the Curriculum Design class, one with no online platform access, and the other with platform access, showed that students’ understanding was heightened significantly in the group with online access. In this paper, the benefits of such opportunities in developing countries with no technological platform are discussed. Furthermore, recommendations for the researcher or teacher are shared regarding the planning and management of resources, such as time, discussion, and conclusions for others interested in embarking on the same path.References
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