Connect: Designing the Classroom of Tomorrow by Using Advanced Technologies to Connect Formal and Informal Learning Environments

The main objective of the CONNECT project is to develop an innovative pedagogical framework that attempts to blend formal and informal learning, proposing an educational reform to science teaching. The project will create a network of museums, science centres and schools across Europe, to develop, apply and evaluate learning schemes by pointing to a future hybrid classroom that builds on the strengths of formal and informal strategies. The proposed approach will impact upon the fields of instructional technology, educational systems design and museum education. It will explore the integration of physical and computational media for the design of interactive learning environments to support learning about complex scientific phenomena. The project will be implemented on an advanced learning environment, the Virtual Science Thematic Park, developed upon emerging technology that will allow for ubiquitous access to educational and scientific resources. The CONNECT project will evolve through a systematic, multi-step assessment process involving the collection and interpretation of data. The current paper presents the project's framework, the initial ideas and the future plans of the consortium.