The connected campus : a blue sky approach to developing the virtual learning environment 2.0 (VLE 2.0) of IVIDET (International Virtual Dental School)

Abstract

Aims. To identify key issues in developing the connected campus of IVIDENT in the short, medium and long term and to consider methods for including developing countries. Materials and Methods: Using a vision-oriented planning approach, round table discussions involving students and senior faculty representation from seven European countries (Germany, Italy, Malta, Norway, Romania, Spain and UK) reviewed key issues surrounding the connected campus concept of IVIDENT. Particular attention was paid to short, medium and long term considerations and to including developing countries. This workshop was a major part of the sixth Anglo-Italian Colloquium held at Brescia University, Italy, May 2008. The findings formed a report that is central to strategic planning and review of the IVIDENT project.

Results: The analysis of short-term requirements highlighted the lack of experienced specialty teachers in dental courses compounded by retirements. With increasing globalisation of education, innovative, accessible, high quality solutions are needed in dentistry. Progress on the initial on-schedule build of the connected campus of IVIDENT now needed to be demonstrated. Encouraging constructive and informed engagement was considered essential especially concerning copyright, consent and multilingual issues. Medium term developments included discussions on meeting student needs in a Web 2.0 environment of collaboration and communication. Extending the campus to worldwide dental communities especially in developing countries was highly desirable. This may be facilitated by links to charitable organisations, developing user ownership and by promoting borderless co-operation. In the longer term sustainable development through a non-profit making enterprise would be needed for accessible lifelong learning of a global dental workforce. Conclusions: The blue sky international workshop approach facilitated a valuable perspective of the issues, opportunities and considerations that are being implemented into the strategic planning process of IVIDENT. Strategies to include developing countries included engagement with charitable organisations. . For more information on IVIDENT http://www.ivident.info