IntroductionThe ability to learn, which can be defined as the acquisition of knowledge through cognitive processes that translate into new understandings, behaviours and skills (Moore et al., 2009), has always been the foundation of any successful society. In today's knowledge-driven society, such valuable understandings, which can be gained through education, are very important resources (Schleicher, 2003). The advances made in computer technology, coupled with the education sector's drive to take advantage of such advances, have given rise to the emerging eLearning paradigm, which is becoming increasingly evident across many academic disciplines, providing further support for the notion that learning processes are no longer only supported by traditional teaching methods. It can be argued that today's third level education (TLE) students are part of a new virtual generation, where blackboards and refill pads have been replaced by interactive white boards and laptops, as more interactive, animated and virtually orientated teaching aids assist the transition from traditional learning to eLearning.The main contribution of this paper is to create a framework to enable the examination of different innovative teaching technologies such as simulation through a web-based portal accessible from anywhere. First, we give an overview of TLE and its challenges from an Irish perspective. Second, we discuss innovations in teaching/ learning processes, with particular emphasis on simulation-based applications, using the complex field of supply chain management as our study field of knowledge. The advantages of utilising web-based technologies are then reviewed before the methodology of our portal framework is introduced and discussed in detail. The paper concludes with a conceptual overview of the portal framework, and outlines its potential future development into to a serious working TLE game.
Abstract:The emerging eLearning paradigm is becoming increasingly used in many academic disciplines. The concept acknowledges learning processes that no longer deploy only traditional teaching methods. It can be argued that today's third level education students are part of a new virtual era where the blackboard has been replaced by the interactive whiteboard, so more interactive and virtually orientated teaching aids are required to assist in the transition from traditional learning to eLearning. The key objective of this paper is to propose a simulation-based learning framework that integrates web-based simulation and a web content management hierarchy model. Using the highly complex subject of supply chain management as a field of study, the newly developed eSimulation tool allows users to examine various management strategies in real-life scenarios, encourages group work and offers remote access capabilities for distance learning. Interactive learning is facilitated using a web-based portal, enabling instructors to demonstrate the complexity of decisions in multiple criteria environments and also demonstrate the impact of various ...