Abstract
The teaching and learning process in higher education needs continuous cultivation of pedagogical expertise, encompassing subject mastery and pedagogical methodologies. This article explores the transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) into hybrid campuses and the importance of pedagogical innovation, highlighting the need for training in hybrid/e-learning environments, and emphasizing the potential of mobile technologies. Furthermore, it presents a case study on two professional development courses offered to faculty members, working in the field of Engineering in Portugal, aiming to reconfigure their professionality. The research adopts an ethnographic methodology, integrating quantitative methods and utilizing a variety of data collection tools, including field notes and self-reflection sheets, to analyze the teachers' reconfiguration of their professional practices. The main findings of the study reveal that the majority of faculty members reported significant gains in transforming traditional courses to digital formats, mastering various online platforms and tools, and developing skills in online communication.

Abstract
E-Learning frameworks are conceptual tools to organize networks of elearning services. Most frameworks cover areas that go beyond the scope of e-learning, from course to financial management, and neglects the typical activities in everyday life of teachers and students at schools such as the creation, delivery, resolution and evaluation of assignments. This paper presents the Ensemble framework - an e-learning framework exclusively focused on the teaching-learning process through the coordination of pedagogical services. The framework presents an abstract data, integration and evaluation model based on content and communications specifications. These specifications must base the implementation of networks in specialized domains with complex evaluations. In this paper we specialize the framework for two domains with complex evaluation: computer programming and computer-aided design (CAD). For each domain we highlight two Ensemble hotspots: data and evaluations procedures. In the former we formally describe the exercise and present possible extensions. In the latter, we describe the automatic evaluation procedures.

Abstract
This paper explores the integration of virtual escape rooms as innovative educational tools in the realm of computer programming. Recognizing the need to engage and motivate learners in this complex domain, we investigate the use of virtual escape rooms in a typical educational setting where Learning Management Systems play a pivotal role. The paper starts by surveying existing escape rooms designed for teaching programming and related domains, considering factors such as interactivity, educational efficacy, and learner engagement. Additionally, it is emphasized the role of standards in creating interoperable learning environments, introducing IMS LTI for seamless integration with learning management systems and xAPI for tracking learner activities within escape rooms. By leveraging these standards and a Learning Record Store (LRS) as a central repository, an architectural framework is presented which enables personalized learning experiences and data-driven insights, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of the new generation of learners.

Abstract
Fostering Pedagogy Through Micro and Adaptive Learning in Higher Education: Trends, Tools, and Applications is a timely and groundbreaking book that addresses the challenges of engaging the digital generations in the teaching-learning process, intensified by the pandemic. Written by Ricardo Queirós, a renowned researcher in e-learning interoperability and programming languages, the book offers a unique perspective on using micro and adaptive learning approaches to create immersive and personalized environments that cater to the learning styles and paces of diverse students. The book covers innovative trends, tools, and applications that enable educators to implement pedagogical practices that enhance the teaching-learning experience. It explores topics such as artificial intelligence in education, adaptive hypermedia, differentiated instruction, and micro-gamification design, providing readers with practical tools to create personalized and immersive learning environments. This book is a valuable resource for professors of any domain, practitioners, and students pursuing education, as well as research scholars looking to expand their understanding of e-learning and pedagogical innovation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of education and how digital technologies can be leveraged to create engaging and immersive learning environments. © 2023 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.

Abstract
Escape rooms offer an immersive and engaging learning experience that encourages critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Although they have shown promising results in promoting student engagement in the teaching-learning process, they continue to operate as independent systems that are not fully integrated into educational environments. This work aims to detail the integration of educational escape rooms, based on international standards, with the typical central component of an educational setting - the learning management system (LMS). In order to proof this concept, we present the integration of a math escape room with the Moodle LMS using the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification. Currently, this specification comprises a set of Web services that enable seamless integration between learning platforms and external tools and is not limited to any specific LMS which fosters learning interoperability. With this implementation, a single sign-on ecosystem is created, where teachers and students can interact in a simple and immersive way. The major contribution of this work is to serve as an integration guide for other applications and in different domains. © Ricardo Queirós, Carla Pinto, Mário Cruz, and Daniela Mascarenhas;

Abstract
This paper introduces GERF, a Gamified Educational Virtual Escape Room Framework designed to enhance micro-learning and adaptive learning experiences in educational settings. The framework incorporates a user taxonomy based on the user type hexad, addressing the preferences and motivations of different learners profiles. GERF focuses on two key facets: interoperability and analytics. To ensure seamless integration of Escape Room (ER) platforms with Learning Management Systems (LMS), the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification is used. This enables smooth and efficient communication between ERs and LMS platforms. Additionally, GERF uses the xAPI specification to capture and transmit experiential data in the form of xAPI statements, which are then sent to a Learning Record Store (LRS). By leveraging these learning analytics, educators gain valuable insights into students’ interactions within the ER, facilitating the adaptation of learning content based on individual learning needs. Ultimately, GERF empowers educators to create personalized learning experiences within the ER environment, fostering student engagement and learning outcomes. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.