University of Jyväskylä

Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius is a unit formed by the Universities of Jyväskylä, Oulu and Vaasa, with its activities coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä. The main areas of activity of the Information Technology unit include master’s-level programmes in information technology designed for adult learners, as well as research in information technology.

The programmes are designed to enable students to complete their studies entirely online alongside work. As a result of research-based development, a well-established blended adult education model has been developed within our degree programmes. The model combines different teaching and learning methods while making extensive use of information and communication technologies. It is based particularly on the versatile use of recorded lectures delivered through streaming technology, remote guidance and supervision tools, and online learning platforms.

We actively conduct research and development to improve educational technologies and teaching practices, with the aim of making participation in education as flexible and effective as possible.

Our R&D activities focus on technology-enhanced learning environments, distance education, and the pedagogical use of digital technologies. Our work combines applied research with authentic educational contexts ranging from higher education to vocational education and lifelong learning.

In recent years, our research-based development of education has focused particularly on:
*models for distance and blended learning and virtual campus solutions
*the development and evaluation of scalable, technology-supported learning environments
*learning analytics and data-informed education
*interaction and engagement in video-mediated and online learning
*self-directed learning and pedagogical models supported by digital platforms