E-learning - The Bologna process, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), learning outcomes and ReProTool

Abstract

This paper discusses e-learning in relation to the Bologna Process, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), Learning Outcomes (LOs) and ReProTool, a software tool that supports the automation of the process of adopting LOs into the educational curriculum of Universities. It provides suggestions as to how to extend e-learning platforms and environments so as to conform to the Bologna Process directives. It briefly addresses why the Bologna Process and the reforms in the European Higher Education Area have not really focused on e-learning. It then addresses those concepts of the Bologna Process that can be adopted by e-learning platforms and environments and then presents ReproTool and its features that can be implemented in such environments. ReProTool is a software tool which automates the process of adopting Learning Outcomes into educational curriculum thus re-engineering academic programmes and courses. The tool will be the result of the project "ReProTool, A Software Tool for the ECTS and Bologna Process Re-engineering of University Programmes", which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research Promotion Foundation. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.