iCLASS - Intelligent Distributed Cognitive-based Open Learning Systems for Schools
iClass has combined research in the fields pedagogy, 'Self Regulated Personalised Learning', cognitive science and computer science to support empowerment of learners and teachers in the K12 sector.
- Project type: Integrated Project
- Start date: 1 January 2004
- End date: 30 June 2008
- Duration: 54 months
- EU funding: 9.000.000 €
- Number of partners: 17
- Project co-ordinator: Siemens Business Services, SA/NV, Bruxelles (BE)
- Contact: Mr. Eric Meyvis
The educational vision driving the iClass project has been personalisation through empowerment. The outcome of the work is a suite of pedagogically coherent tools and a set of pedagogical methodologies, validated through ongoing analysis of state of the art research and of end-user feedback.
The underlying pedagogical concept of the iClass platform is self-regulated personalised learning set up with an end user centric approach. This is supported by a set of guidelines towards its application to classroom pedagogy, schooling system change, content development, evaluation, dissemination and exploitation. The system is designed to boost a pupil’s motivation to learn by personalising the learning process, placing an emphasis on self-direction and self-reliance, and trusting the learner to make mindful and meaningful choices. This allows for tailoring teaching and learning experiences to individual preferences and needs.
Recognising the increasing importance of informal, as well as lifelong, learning, the web-based iClass platform, providing pupils with ubiquitous access, is well placed to link seamlessly the formal and informal learning environment. In addition, by promoting greater self-reliance and a passion for inquiry among pupils, iClass helps equip them with crucial attitudes for the emerging knowledge-based economy, which requires people to update and upgrade their skills and knowledge constantly throughout their lives.
Besides supporting the learners, iClass also considered the crucial role of teachers in the learning process. With the iClass environment, teachers are being empowered through tools (e.g. diagnostic) and a methodology in order to design and deliver personalised learning. In practice, this means that a teacher creates a learning plan based on a goal to be achieved, suggesting some sub-goals and activities, while some activities can be left open for the student to shape. The platform also recognises that the school curriculum in different countries places different demands on teachers, and so has built-in flexibility to allow the system to be customised.
The iClass system allows for various educational approaches and thus can be used in most, if not all, learning and teaching situations. As proof of concept, the iClass consortium demonstrated the prototype in participating schools and presented the system in various international conferences and congresses, and to several Ministries of Education.