Hello scholr: designing for collaborative and engaging learning

<p>The existing Higher Education Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or Learning Management System (LMS) platforms are not fit for purpose for the socially networked, always connected, smartphone savvy students of today. Although effective tools for the management and administration of learning, they offer no enhancement to the learning experience or the attainment of learning outcomes. Building on their experiences with social media and collaborative learning the authors have proposed the development of an Integrated Learning Ecosytem called Scholr. Blended teaching allows for expansive collaboration, whereby information and knowledge can be accessed and disseminated across a number of networked devices. By focusing functionality around how learners engage best with content and facilitating collaborative and social connections, Scholr will provide an interactive learning ecosystem centred around individual learners. Scholr also addresses a greater issue, that traditional teaching methods are an inefficient and ineffective method of engaging learners in the new economy.</p>