IVA is an open source virtual learning environment developed at Tallinn University that is based on a social constructivist approach to learning. It uses an intuitive interface and is designed according to Jonassen's 3C model of learning through context, construction, and collaboration. The key features of IVA include a homepage, public and private areas, forums, media workshops, hypertext tools, an organizer, and other resources to support assignments, grading, knowledge building, and collaboration between students and teachers.

1. Introduction to IVA: a Virtual Learning Environment Mart Laanpere Centre for Educational Technology Tallinn University, Institute of Informatics MartL@ tlu .ee IVA project: http://www.htk.tlu.ee/iva IVA login page: http://iva.tlu.ee

2. IVA: key features Home page of IVA project: www.htk.tlu.ee/iva Open source, free software, developed in TLU as a derivate of Finnish LMS called FLE3 Intuitive user interface (metaphors) Based on a social constructivist approach to learning: Jonassen’s 3C model Context (authentic problems, real-life cases) Construction (personal knowledge construction) Collaboration (social negotiation of meaning)

3. Jonassen: three C-s Context Collaboration Construction KNOWLEDGE Modeling process Authentic tasks Apprenticeship Situated learning Case-based problems Multiple perspectives Indexed meanings Coaching Social negotiation of meaning Articulation Reflection Mental models Intentions, expectations Internal negotiation Domain-specific reasoning Invention, exploration

4. The structure of IVA Public Private Forum Media workshop Hypertext tool Organizer IVA WebTop BookShelf WorkShops Management Portfolio Wiki Drawer Learning resources Cource info Knowledge Building Jamming Subgroups User management Subgroup management Quiz management Quizzes Wiki Cource management Logpage Info Calend Events Logo News Event management Stats For teachers only Collaboration Context Construction Assignments, grading

5. First steps Login > Enter Lobby > Select the course Bookshelf > Course front page, Course info WebTop > Blog, Memo, File upload, Portfolio Workshops > KnowledgeBuilding Forum, Group Portfolio