Community Based Software Development - the Case of Movelex

The paper provides an overview of the elaboration, testing and improvement of Movelex, a complex virtual learning environment (VLE) supporting the establishment of self-regulated learning and shared knowledge building space in the classroom. The development and continuous improvement of the software has the aim to form communities of practice of teachers and students to co-operate with software programmers in the creation of new functionalities and widening of the array of pedagogical options. Therefore, the VLE called Movelex is not just a product; it is tool and a digital learning content development platform at the same time – and in both capacities, extremely user-friendly and supports building a community of practice for technology-enhanced learning. The paper refers to the Knowledge Practice Laboratory Project (KP-Lab), to elaborate new models for in-service teacher training aimed at assisting future teachers in the co-evolution process of technical and pedagogical skills development through a VLE enhancement exercise.