Learning Environments for Progressive Inquiry

The research group of learning environments for progressive inquiry is researching, designing and developing use of New Media in the field of learning. The group is researching and developing learning methods and practices using new technology. The group has been developing both Internet accessible groupware and physical learning environments used and tested with hundreds of participants.

The group has close collaboration with the Center for network learning and knowledge building at the Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki. Currently the research group of learning environments for progressive inquiry is coordinating two R&D projects, one at Nordic level and one at European level.

Future Learning Environment 2 R&D project (Fle2)

Future Learning Environment 2 is a research and development project of three Nordic Universities coordinated by the UIAH Media Lab and supported by NordUnet2. The Fle2 project is developing a web-based groupware for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Fle2 has been designed to support collaborative knowledge building and progressive inquiry. See the Fle2 Web Site.

Innovative Technology for Collaborative Learning and Knowledge Building (ITCOLE)

ITCOLE is an European research and development project (5th Framework: IST-2001) of ten partners coordinated by the UIAH Media Lab. The project has three key scientific and technical objectives: (1) Develop pedagogical models of collaborative knowledge building for European education. (2) Develop a modular knowledge-building environment to support collaborative learning. (3) Evaluate, test and disseminate the environment in European schools in order to build meaningful pedagogical practices and to advance the use of collaborative learning technology. The project focuses on developing innovative pedagogical models, design principles and technology for collaborative knowledge building to be used in European education.

Contacts at UIAH / Media Lab:

Teemu Leinonen
Project Manager

Philip Dean
Media Lab director

In the past...

FLE research

The aim of the Future Learning Environment (FLE) project is to research and develop the use of new media in the field of learning. The project is researching and developing learning methods and practices using new technology, designing both internet accessible and physical learning environments. The project also develops the production process of network-based multimedia learning materials. All design is based on the latest results of cognitive research and studies of learning.

Research partners of the FLE-project are: (1) the Media Lab, University of Art and Design, Helsinki (coordinating the project), (2) the Research Unit of Cognitive Psychology of the Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, and (3) the Media Education Centre of the Department of Teacher Education, University of Helsinki.

The FLE-project is funded by Technology Development Centre of Finland, Ministry of Education and several industrial partners, which are: Sonera Ltd. (Telecom Finland), Grey Interactive Ltd. and Apple Computer, Finland Ltd.

See the FLE site in English or in Finnish, please.

Contacts at UIAH / Media Lab:

Teemu Leinonen
project lead

Philip Dean
Media Lab director