ABSTRACT

This chapter describes a pilot project involving children from tele-houses. Tele-houses are learning communities in Hungary using two sets of web-based learning (WBL) materials developed by TEAM Lab (described later) and mentored by future informatics teachers. The materials are based on a constructivist approach that allows different learning styles to emerge. The pilot project has been in progress for two sessions with an ‘action research’ process that aims to build a suitable model extendable to the whole network of tele-houses in order to contribute to the introduction of capacity building through distance education for such regions. This model includes a pedagogic framework with theoretical background that will build capacity in underdeveloped regions. It could be further extended to build a network for capacity building in general through tele-houses, schools and homes. At the same time it also provides a possible solution for informatics teachers to remain in the profession by providing mentoring services at a distance, while also working in industry.