The customized xLearning environment model: Meeting the needs and expectations of students

Abstract

The evolution in Information Communication Technologies, the changes in the labour market requirements together with the needs and expectation of students who arrive in higher education institutions, are forcing education to adapt. Students do not learn all at the same pace nor have all the same learning style or habits. An ideal learning environment would consider these differences as well as students' background, needs and characteristics. It should take into consideration the latest developments in learning theories, communication, social networks and learning objects available in learning management systems. It should also bridge the gap between education and the labour market by connecting all the actors whether they are students, teachers, experts or potential employers. In this learning environment education is closer to the job market allowing all actors to play in this scenario. In this paper, we propose a model where all the learning and e-learning elements are present and where the student is the focus and the one who decides what should be included in this learning environment in order to create a Customized xLearning Environment.