An exercises editor for an e-learning environment

One of the most important tenets of e-learning is that it bridges work and learning. A great e-learning experience brings learning into the work environment. This is a key point, the capacity to construct a work environment when the student can develop proper tasks to complete the learning process. This paper describes a work environment based on the development of two tools, an exercises editor and an exercises viewer. Both tools are able to manage color images where, because of the implementation of basic steganographic techniques, it is possible to add information, exercises, questions, and so on. The exercises editor allows to decide which information must be visible or remain hidden to the user, when the image is loaded in the exercises viewer. Therefore, it is possible to hide the solutions of the proposed tasks; this is very useful to complete a self-evaluation learning process. These tools constitute a learning architecture with the final objective that learners can apply and practice new concepts or skills.

Development and psychometric testing of the clinical learning environment, supervision and nurse teacher evaluation scale (CLES+T): The Spanish version

Background: The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the quality of the clinical learning process in international nursing education contexts. Objectives: This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of the Spanish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale. Design: Cross-sectional validation study of the scale. Setting: 10 public and private hospitals in the Alicante area, and the Faculty of Health Sciences (University of Alicante, Spain). Participants: 370 student nurses on clinical placement (January 2011–March 2012). Methods: The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale was translated using the modified direct translation method. Statistical analyses were performed using PASW Statistics 18 and AMOS 18.0.0 software. A multivariate analysis was conducted in order to assess construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate instrument reliability. Results: An exploratory factorial analysis identified the five dimensions from the original version, and explained 66.4% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the Spanish version of the instrument. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the scale was .95, ranging from .80 to .97 for the subscales. Conclusion: This version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale instrument showed acceptable psychometric properties for use as an assessment scale in Spanish-speaking countries.

Complex learning: the role of knowledge, intelligence, motivation and learning strategies

This work presents the main theories and models formulated with the purpose of offering a global overview on the acquisition of knowledge and skills involved in the initial development of expert competence. Setting from this background, we developed an empirical work whose main purpose is to define those factors in a complex learning situation such as chapter-sized in a knowledge-rich domain. The results obtained in a sample of Master students reveal that the several variables intervening, such as the qualitative organization of knowledge, intellectual ability, motivation, the deliberate use of strategies, and a rich learning environment, contribute in an independent way to provide an explanation for the acquired knowledge.

Evaluation of hybrid and distance education learning environments in Spain

This article describes the adaptation and validation of the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) for use in investigating the qualities found in distance and hybrid education psycho-social learning environments in Spain. As Europe moves toward post-secondary student mobility, equanimity in access to higher education, and more standardised degree programs across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) the need for a high quality method for continually assessing the excellence of distance and hybrid learning environments has arisen. This study outlines how the English language DELES was adapted into the new Spanish-Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (S-DELES) for use with a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology degree program offering both distance and hybrid education classes. We present the relationships between psycho-social learning environment perceptions and those of student affect. We also present the asynchronous aspects of the environment, scale means, and a comparison between the perceptions of distance education students and their hybrid education counterparts that inform the university about the baseline health of the information and communication technologies (ICT) environment within which the study was conducted.

Aprendiendo a interpretar el aprendizaje de las matemáticas en educación primaria. Características en un contexto B-Learning

El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar características del proceso de instrumentalización del conocimiento de didáctica de la matemática de profesores de educación primaria en un curso de especialización desarrollado en un contexto b-learning. Participaron 65 maestros en un entorno de aprendizaje b-learning integrando debates virtuales y centrados en el análisis del pensamiento matemático de alumnos de educación primaria. El análisis de las participaciones en los debates virtuales y la resolución de las tareas nos han permitido caracterizar el aprendizaje del conocimiento sobre el aprendizaje de las matemáticas como un cambio en el discurso de los estudiantes. Este cambio se puso de manifiesto por la integración paulatina del conocimiento de didáctica de la matemática en la interpretación del pensamiento matemático de los alumnos. Los resultados indican que las aportaciones a los debates en forma de refutaciones favorecieron el proceso de instrumentalización de las ideas teóricas.

Validation of a Spanish version of the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) in Spain

The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the Spanish version of the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (Sp-DELES). This instrument assesses students’ perceptions of virtual learning environments using six scales: Instructor Support, Student Interaction and Collaboration, Personal Relevance, Authentic Learning, Active Learning, and Autonomy. Further, the Sp-DELES includes an additional scale that assesses students’ Satisfaction with their classes. The original DELES has been used in at least 27 independent studies with strong reliability and validity. For this study, we sampled 265 students from the University of Alicante enrolled in various hybrid and distance education courses taught by the Department of Health Psychology. We analysed the Sp-DELES for validity using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation, and for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. The Sp-DELES exhibited good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha for the scales ranging from 0.86 to 0.97) and the original six-factor structure was replicated and accounted for 72.9 % of the total variance. Overall the results are consistent with those of the original English-language version of the instrument. The Sp-DELES has proven to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing psychosocial learning environments in tertiary-level hybrid and distance-education settings.

Comparing Common Data Environment Platforms for Student Collaborative Working: A Case Study from Ulster University

PAS1192-2 (2013) outlines the “fundamental principles of Level 2 information modeling”, one of these principles is the use of what is commonly referred to as a Common Data Environment (CDE). A CDE could be described as an internet-enabled cloudhosting platform, accessible to all construction team members to access shared project information. For the construction sector to achieve increased productivity goals, the next generation of industry professionals will need to be educated in a way that provides them with an appreciation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) working methods, at all levels, including an understanding of how data in a CDE should be structured, managed, shared and published. This presents a challenge for educational institutions in terms of providing a CDE that addresses the requirements set out in PAS1192-2, and mirrors organisational and professional working practices without causing confusion due to over complexity. This paper presents the findings of a two-year study undertaken at Ulster University comparing the use of a leading industry CDE platform with one derived from the in-house Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), for the delivery of a student BIM project. The research methodology employed was a qualitative case study analysis, focusing on observations from the academics involved and feedback from students. The results of the study show advantages for both CDE platforms depending on the learning outcomes required.

The Influence of Space Layout, Technology and Teaching Approach on Student Learning: An Architectural Technology Perspective

Some would argue that there is a need for the traditional lecture format to be rethought in favour of a more active approach. However, this must form part of a bipartite strategy, considered in conjunction with the layout of any new space to facilitate alternative learning and teaching methods. With this in mind, this paper begins to examine the impact of the learning environment on the student learning experience, specifically focusing on students studying on the Architectural Technology and Management programme at Ulster University. The aim of this study is two-fold: to increase understanding of the impact of learning space layout, by taking a student centered approach; and to gain an appreciation of how technology can impact upon the learning space. The study forms part of a wider project being undertaken at Ulster University known as the Learning Landscape Transition Project, exploring the relationship between learning, teaching and space layout. Data collection was both qualitative and quantitative, with use of a case study supported by a questionnaire based on attitudinal scaling. A focus group was also used to further analyse the key trends resulting from the questionnaire. The initial results suggest that the learning environment, and the technology within it, can not only play an important part in the overall learning experience of the student, but also assist with preparation for the working environment to be experienced in professional life.

Propuestas de integración de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación para la mejora de las prácticas docentes

En el presente artículo abordamos la utilización de un Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje para optimizar la gestión de la información y comunicación de la información entre los agentes implicados en la asignatura Practicum. Inicialmente presentamos una revisión sobre el tratamiento que dicha asignatura ha tenido desde mediados del siglo pasado hasta la actualidad en el estado español. Finalmente presentamos los resultados de un estudio piloto realizado con los estudiantes de Magisterio de la especialidad de Educación Física, que ponen de manifiesto las actitudes positivas del alumnado hacia el uso de las TIC y la percepción de la importancia que las mismas tienen dentro de los contenidos curriculares, por lo que, éstos elementos promueven el desarrollo de competencias no solo genéricas, sino también transversales, favoreciendo de este modo el desarrollo socio-personal y profesional.

Entornos virtuales: predicción de la satisfacción en contexto universitario

El presente estudio persigue un doble objetivo: evaluar el grado de satisfacción de los estudiantes con la formación recibida en un entorno virtual y, analizar su capacidad predictiva sobre la satisfacción. Se ha utilizado la versión española del cuestionario Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (Sp-DELES). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto el significativo nivel de satisfacción de los estudiantes con la experiencia y revelan las variables más importantes a la hora de explicar la varianza en satisfacción.

Conocimiento tecnológico, pedagógico y disciplinario del profesorado: el caso de un Centro Educativo Inteligente

En este estudio se analiza la integración de las TIC en un escenario de aprendizaje específico: un centro público de Alicante catalogado como Centro Educativo Inteligente [CEI], según el programa de pilotaje homónimo de la Comunidad Valenciana. Se pondera detenidamente, mediante una investigación mixta el conocimiento tecnológico, pedagógico y disciplinar de los docentes a partir del Modelo TPACK. Como instrumentos de evaluación se han utilizado encuestas, entrevistas y grupos de discusión. Entre los resultados alcanzados, destaca la constatación de la inseguridad del profesorado al aplicar los conocimientos tecnológico-pedagógicos en sus clases, si bien se trata de un CEI. Se analiza detenidamente la paradoja establecida entre tal percepción del profesorado y la opinión del equipo directivo, que postula lo contrario.

Aprender conociendo a las personas usuarias de los servicios

Se presentan tres experiencias de innovación docente realizadas en la asignatura de Iniciación a las Habilidades Profesionales, primer curso del Grado en Trabajo Social, Universidad de Alicante. Objetivos: 1) Implicar en la docencia a las personas usuarias de los servicios, considerándolos expertos por su experiencia personal con Trabajadores Sociales y con la sociedad en general. 2) Proporcionar un contexto de aprendizaje que permita conocer, comprender y aprender a comunicarse profesionalmente con personas usuarias de servicios. Metodología: Aprendizaje significativo basado en la interacción con personas usuarias de los servicios con tres modalidades: a) Diseño conjunto de actividades de enseñanza-aprendizaje entre una entidad social y el profesorado de la asignatura Iniciación a las Habilidades Profesionales del Grado en Trabajo Social de la Universidad de Alicante; b) Diseño con enfoque multidisciplinar (profesorado de Trabajo Social con el profesorado de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y Deporte) y la entidad social; c) Diseño internacional con participación de las universidades Queen’s University, Belfast (Northern Ireland) (coordinadora del proyecto) junto con las universidades de Ljubljana (Slovenia) y Alicante. Los resultados proporcionan evidencias sobre la pertinencia de la colaboración docente de personas expertas por su experiencia y de la utilización de una metodología docente basada en el aprendizaje significativo para la adquisición de competencias.

Características de los ambientes de aprendizaje online para una práctica docente de calidad. Indicadores de evaluación

Contribuir a la mejora de la calidad de la enseñanza y de los resultados de aprendizaje constituye uno de los retos en el sistema universitario actual que exige un gran esfuerzo de coordinación en las acciones de investigación e innovación a desarrollar. Para alcanzar este propósito, desde el grupo de investigación EDUTIC-ADEI (VIGROB-039) de la Universidad de Alicante se ha promovido la constitución de una red docente interdepartamental e interuniversitaria que pretende investigar sobre cómo debe ser la enseñanza online que se desarrolla en el ámbito universitario. Para ello, se ha abordado el concepto de ambiente de aprendizaje en este contexto virtual con el fin de delimitar los parámetros que deben definir una enseñanza de calidad cuando hablamos de e-learning, Masive Open Online Courses [MOOCs], Personal Learning Environment [PLE], etc. La investigación, pues, ahonda en los aspectos curriculares que conforman dichos ambientes de aprendizaje online con el fin de delimitar los parámetros de una enseñanza virtual de calidad.

Evaluación del Entorno de Aprendizaje Clínico con la versión española de la escala CLES+T: el antes y el después de la Declaración de Bolonia

En esencia la enfermería es una profesión basada en la práctica, y consecuentemente, la formación durante las prácticas clínicas de las y los estudiantes, resultan un componente esencial del curriculum de pregrado en el conjunto de países vinculados al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior. La firma de la Declaración de Bolonia, supuso para los países europeos la implicación en la restructuración del sistema educativo, la adecuación de los programas educativos a la legislación comunitaria, y la promoción de la movilidad de discentes y de docentes entre los mismos. Acontecidos los principales cambios y desarrollados e implantados los programas de pregrado, nos hemos propuesto en este trabajo determinar cómo evalúan los estudiantes del grado en Enfermería de la Universidad de Alicante el entorno de aprendizaje clínico hospitalario, y comparar estos resultados con las evaluaciones emitidas por las/los anteriores estudiantes de la diplomatura. Para tal fin se realiza un estudio transversal en el que se utiliza como instrumento la versión española de la escala CLES+T (Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher).

Construction of Structures I in Moodle: a new teaching methodology in the Degree of Building Engineer

The subject of Construction of Structures I studies, from a constructive point of view and taking into account current legislation, reinforced concrete structures used in buildings, through the acquisition of knowledge and construction criteria required in the profession of a Technical Architect. The contents acquired in this course are essential for further professional development of technicians and are closely related to many of the subjects taught in the same or other courses of the Degree in Technical Architecture at the University of Alicante. The aim of this paper is to present, analyze and discuss the development of a new methodology proposed in the mentioned subject, as it supposed an important change in the traditional way of teaching Construction and Structures I. In order to incorporate new teaching tools in 2013-2014, the course has been implemented by using a Moodle software tool to promote blended learning with online exercises. Our Moodle community allows collaborative work within an open-source platform where teachers and students share a new and personalized learning environment. Students are easily used to the interface and the platform, value the constant connection with teachers or other fellows and completely agree with the possibility of making questions or share documents 24 hours a day. The proposed methodology consists of lectures and practical classes. In the lectures, the basics of each topic are discussed; class attendance, daily study and conducting scheduled exercises are indispensable. Practical classes allow to consolidate the knowledge gained in theory classes by solving professional exercises and actual construction problems related to structures, that shall be compulsorily delivered online. So, after the correction of the teacher and the subsequent feedback of students, practical exercises ensure lifelong learning of the student, who can download any kind of material at any time (constructive details, practical exercises and even corrected exams). Regarding the general evaluation system, goals achievement is assessed on an ongoing basis (65% of the final mark) along the course through written and graphic evidences in person and online, as well as a individual development of a workbook. In all cases, the acquisition of skills, the ability to synthesize, the capacity of logical and critical thinking are assessed. The other 35 % of the mark is evaluated by a complementary graphic exam. Participation in the computing platform is essential and the student is required to do and present, at least 90% of the practices proposed. Those who do not comply with the practices in each specific date could not be assessed continuously and may only choose the final exam. In conclusion, the subject of Construction of Structures I is essential in the development of the regulated profession of Technical Architect as they are considered, among other professional profiles, as specialists in construction of building structures. The use of a new communication platform and online teaching allows the acquisition of knowledge and constructive approaches in a continuous way, with a more direct and personal monitoring by the teacher that has been highly appreciated by almost 100% of the students. Ultimately, it is important to say that the use of Moodle in this subject is a very interesting tool, which was really well welcome by students in one of the densest and important subjects of the Degree of Technical Architecture.