E-learning, open and distance education have been increasingly important fields of intellectual excitement and innovative development. The challenges posed by the new technologies are permanent, and students constantly keep teachers under pressure to develop. The human elements are moving to the forefront, employing creative methods and smart solutions. In Europe, despite economic and social pressures, there is a collective drive towards realising the creative potential.
Standards and accountability have also been emphasized but personalization of learning, individual and collective motivation, enhancement of the learning experience, and an overall improvement of learning quality are gaining ever-increasing traction.
Learning is becoming more and more individualized and self-managed. Personalization helps foster motivation and engagement, and supports awareness and motivation. Personal learning environments and personalized assessment (including learning analytics) offer resources to monitor and assess the process.
How can we do our best to make learning a thrilling experience for learners, including providing a sense of joy in the virtual classroom?
The question is an exciting one and discussion and debate will provide a range of innovative theories and approaches, and help to determine the tools necessary to achieve our goals. Should they be about the smart use of ICT tools, new methodologies for enhanced learning experience, content management systems, or about fascinating inter-disciplinary solutions supported by e.g. game based learning, immersive environments, multimedia, etc. The answers we will find may be dynamic and or even provoking.