Workshop on Free and Open Source Learning Environments and Tools (FOSLET07)

[Apologies if you receive this more than once]
====================================================================
Extended deadline: April 16, 2007
====================================================================
  ** Call for papers **

====================================================================
Workshop on Free and Open Source Learning Environments and Tools
(FOSLET07)

In conjunction with the Third International
Conference on Open Source Systems.
June 14th, 2007, Limerick (Ireland)

http://www.elab.usilu.net/FOSLET07
====================================================================

Web-based Learning Environments supported by Course Management
Systems, (also known as Learning Management Systems) are nowadays
a valid solution for institutions, schools and universities that
deliver e-learning or support blended-learning activities. Learning
Environments are used to distribute information and content material
to learners, prepare and deliver assignments and tests, engage in
discussions, and manage distance classes without time and space
restrictions.
During the last few years, several institutions have moved from
commercial/proprietary solutions to Free and Open Source (FOS)
environments. The increasing popularity that FOS solutions for
e-learning are enjoying is partly due to the absence of license
costs, and partly to their great adaptability and interoperability,
also in relationship with the development and adoption of Learning
Technology Standards, such as the Shareable Content Object Reference
Model (SCORM) and the IMS Content Packaging and Learning Design
specifications.
However, the integration of FOS solutions for e-learning is not
free from some critical issues that demand research.


GOALS
----------
The workshop aim at providing a discussion platform for researchers
and practitioners that wants to share research findings and experiences
about the use of FOS applications for e-learning, in order to
identify effective and sustainable solutions, open issues and good
practices.

TOPICS
---------- 
The workshop encourages submissions on all topics related to Free and
Open Source Learning Environments including (but not limited to) the
following:

- Interoperability and implementation of standards among Learning
Environments
- FOS Learning Environments architectures, configurations, and
infrastructures
- Learning & Content Management Systems, repositories
- Metadata models and mapping
- Interoperability use cases, experience reports of interoperable
educational systems
- Cost models of commercial/proprietary and FOS e-learning solutions
- Good practices of integration of FOS solutions into real institutional
settings


IMPORTANT DATES
- Submission of papers:     April 16, 2007 (EXTENDED DEADLINE)
- Notification of acceptance:     April 30, 2007
- Submission of final papers:      May 21, 2007
- Workshop date:         June 14, 2007

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
- Luca Botturi, Faculty of Communication Sciences, University of Lugano,
Switzerland. 
- Riccardo Mazza, Faculty of Informatics, University of Lugano, Switzerland.
- Stefano Tardini, eLearning Lab, University of Lugano, Switzerland.

CONTACTS
Luca Botturi, Riccardo Mazza, Stefano Tardini
NewMinE Lab
Via G. Buffi, 13
CH-6900 Lugano (Switzerland)
{botturil,mazzar,tardinis}@lu.unisi.ch