Enabling Enhanced Learning in an Open University Environment: A Grid-Aware Architecture

Open and Distance learning has been extensively researched in the past few years, yet the focus was more in its technological dimension. The plethora of advanced tools supporting e-learning and the difficulties in their adoption in real situations has only demonstrated that the primary need is a paradigm shift in the educational model. In this work, we argue that this paradigm shift can be efficiently supported by a new computing model: the Grid. Grid computing facilitates knowledge construction and reuse in highly dynamic, distributed e-learning environments. An initial design of an e-learning Grid is presented for an Open University environment where new e-learning models, such as constructivism, can be efficiently supported.