Medios online y publicidad: perfiles profesionales en Educación Superior

Los cambios tecnológicos producidos en la sociedad de la información, con especial atención a Internet, inciden también en el sistema educativo. Esta situación es especialmente significativa en aquellas carreras con perfiles profesionales definidos y que utilizan los medios para llegar a sus públicos, como es el caso de la Publicidad y las Relaciones Públicas. Se plantea un estudio exploratorio que pretende averiguar si la actual oferta educativa integra las competencias relacionadas con los perfiles profesionales en torno al medio online. Se utilizan las definiciones y competencias de los perfiles centrados en el medio online (ej. Community Manager, SEO, SEM) y otras ampliamente conocidas por el sector publicitario (planificador en Internet). La investigación se centra en las cinco universidades españolas con más alumnos en estudios de publicidad y relaciones públicas: UCM, RJC, UVA, UA y UOC. Se analizan los cursos de licenciatura aún vigentes, títulos propios, masteres universitarios y doctorado. Todos ellos en relación directa con la publicidad y las relaciones públicas. Los resultados permiten evaluar tanto la información disponible como la oferta educativa para el aprendizaje de las competencias de estos perfiles en el marco de la EEES.

Reducing visual deficits caused by refractive errors in school and preschool children: results of a pilot school program in the Andean region of Apurimac, Peru

Background: Refractive error is defined as the inability of the eye to bring parallel rays of light into focus on the retina, resulting in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) or astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error in children is associated with increased morbidity and reduced educational opportunities. Vision screening (VS) is a method for identifying children with visual impairment or eye conditions likely to lead to visual impairment. Objective: To analyze the utility of vision screening conducted by teachers and to contribute to a better estimation of the prevalence of childhood refractive errors in Apurimac, Peru. Design: A pilot vision screening program in preschool (Group I) and elementary school children (Group II) was conducted with the participation of 26 trained teachers. Children whose visual acuity was<6/9 [20/30] (Group I) and≤6/9 (Group II) in one or both eyes, measured with the Snellen Tumbling E chart at 6 m, were referred for a comprehensive eye exam. Specificity and positive predictive value to detect refractive error were calculated against clinical examination. Program assessment with participants was conducted to evaluate outcomes and procedures. Results: A total sample of 364 children aged 3–11 were screened; 45 children were examined at Centro Oftalmológico Monseñor Enrique Pelach (COMEP) Eye Hospital. Prevalence of refractive error was 6.2% (Group I) and 6.9% (Group II); specificity of teacher vision screening was 95.8% and 93.0%, while positive predictive value was 59.1% and 47.8% for each group, respectively. Aspects highlighted to improve the program included extending training, increasing parental involvement, and helping referred children to attend the hospital. Conclusion: Prevalence of refractive error in children is significant in the region. Vision screening performed by trained teachers is a valid intervention for early detection of refractive error, including screening of preschool children. Program sustainability and improvements in education and quality of life resulting from childhood vision screening require further research.

MOOCs, Open educational resources and social networking: bridging the gap between informal and formal learning

MOOCs and open educational resources (OER) provide a wealth of learning opportunities for people around the globe, many of whom have no access to formal higher education. OER are often difficult to locate and are accessed on their own without support from or dialogue with subject experts and peers. This paper looks at whether it is possible to develop effective learning communities around OER and whether these communities can emerge spontaneously and in a self-organised way without moderation. It examines the complex interplay between formal and informal learning, and examines whether MOOCs are the answer to providing effective interaction and dialogue for those wishing to study at university level for free on the Internet.