Learntwist, l'arte e la scienza di facilitare la didattica online in università : uno studio di caso

Learntwist is a web-based software that aims to facilitate learning in adults. Developed by Susan Isenberg, the software is an electronic version of an apprenticeship contract. The article introduces the framework of andragogy and self-directed learning, presents the methodology of learning contracts, focuses on the principles of adult education applied to internet learning and describes a research conducted at the University of Siena. The research illustrates how students validated and used the Italian version of Learntwist. Participants have been engaged in a cognitive walkthrough to assess the usability of the software and in the planning of a personalized learning plan.

Students evaluated that the learning experience can be improved by working on the different steps, the customization and the graphic interface of the software. The activities planned by the students are characterized by arguments and subjects related to students' passions and interests, strategies based on research, collaboration with experts, learning evidence and methods of assessment. Limits of the experience and hypothesis for further researches are also discussed. [Publisher's Text].