INTEGRATING EDUCATIONAL AND ICT INNOVATIONS: THE CASE OF DAOSAN MASTER COURSE

Abstract

The present paper aims to explore the effectiveness of a new computer-supported collaborative problem solving educational approach in higher education at master course level. First, the technological and pedagogical characteristics of a new digital cooperative environment and the constructivist, learner- centered philosophy of the Daosan Master (Management of Health-care Services) at the University of Salerno are outlined. Then, the integration between the educational approach and the technological support is reported and discussed in an exploratory case-study of computer-supported cooperative problem solving. It shows that several post-graduate students have been able to carry out a dense collaborative problem solving activity within a relatively short lesson time, working and reflecting upon a real problem of health-care management. The experience seems to be effective in fostering reflexivity, collaboration and situated learning in management training.

KEY WORDS computer-supported cooperative environment | problem-based-learning | healthcare | management training.