5th Dimension - Local Learning Communities in a globlal world - FIFTHD

The project work is connected to two themes: 1) creation of new educational communities, 2) design of multimedia and other technical artefacts, and the development and studies of the use of these artefacts. New educational communities (5D sites)- real and virtual- will be implemented and sustained. How that works will be documented at all sites. Core issues here are variety (social, cultural, ethnical, age, gender; multifariouslearning artefacts), including inter-institutional and intergenerational organisation teachers, undergraduates, researchers, and so on). Several virtual communities will be built or implemented as extensions of the real learning communities. The main Virtual Communities are a Virtual 5D and an Internet based 5D-Eurohouse. The use of these Virtual Communities will be strongly prioritised (within each 5D site, and between 5D-sites). We will also work hard to invite and engage visitors and non-regulars to these virtual 5D communities. In co-operation with computer game and multimedia companies design of appropriatetechnology will be deployed. The appropriateness of the technology will be tested and evaluated in relation to how it enchance communication and learning. The results of the development of 5D as a model system for a nex educational community, locally anchored and globally interacting, will be disseminated to school teachers, educational researchers, higher education, the local and regional surrounding. Means for that will be written reports and oral presentacions, real life workshops and conferences, and virtual media communications.