ABSTRACT

This communication presents the results of an innovative approach for competence development suggesting a new methodology for the integration of these elements in professional development within the ADA initiative (Aula a Distancia Abierta, Distance and Open Classroom) of the Community of Madrid. The main objective of this initiative is to promote the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for educational activities by creating a new learning environment structured on the premises of commitment to self–learning, individual work, communication and virtual interaction, and self and continuous assessment. Results from this experience showed that conceptualization is a positive contribution to learning, as students added names and characteristics to competences and abilities that were previously unknown or underestimated. Also, the diversity of participants’ disciplines indicated multidimensional interest in this idea and supported the theory that this approach to competence development could be successful in all knowledge areas.

Keywords: Distance education; competence, training, e-learning