Criptored and the thematic networks oriented to global education.

Abstract

This research describes a 13-years-long educational and innovative experience which analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of using thematic networks with educational purposes. The above mentioned experience sets the spotlight on the thematic network Criptored, which was founded in 1999 at the Technical University of Madrid. The experience published on this work proves that a thematic network can be not only a good way to spread awareness of quality among specialists but also a good generator of ideas and projects arising with direct educational implications for people’s learning through Internet. This demonstration is based on several different decisions made along the evolution of this project, such as a teaching structure of the information published, content quality management, the creation of brand new content based on both members and non-members of the network and so on. All these features ease the opening of a new thematic network to a heterogeneous target public without detriment to either quality or excellence. The impact and broadcasting of this network in many sectors clearly match its results. In fact, the network shows meaningful impact on universities, research centers, technology and information communications companies in Spain and Latin America, as well as society in general: 243 universities, research centers and associations from 22 countries, 925 network members, 448 free downloadable documents, 14 electronic books, 102 videos, more than 2.500.000 documents delivered in 13 years, etc.

Keywords

• educativa
• formación online
• redes temáticas
• criptored
• seguridad de la información