EDUCATIONAL ADVANCES AND TRENDS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A RESEARCH PROJECT ON EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

Within the framework of the Bologna Process, the UNESCO Chair in Environmental Education and Sustainable Development, based at the National University of Distance Education of Spain, is developing research in the field of educational innovation with the aim of incorporating in its learning model the methodological procedures resulting from recent developments in information technology. The teaching innovation projects presented in this work have been designed for students of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development as part of their Environmental Sciences and Education Courses, who were used to test the learning potential of two teaching methodologies: a) the Cmap Tools editor for the construction of concept maps, which is particularly designed to enhance understanding of the relations that make up the conceptual structure of the topics of study; and b) online collaborative learning groups, intended to promote team work and encourage participation, dialogue and divergent thought, all of which are central to education for sustainability. Each pilot project generated material and resources specifically designed for this purpose and entailed a consistent assessment process.