Codeship: Financing growth: Case study and Teaching note

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Elaboración de un instrumento docente para la evaluación de las competencias en las asignaturas de dirección y organización en el grado de ciencias del deporte

En este artículo se presenta las actuaciones determinadas por un grupo de profesores de universidad para establecer el proceso de elaboración de un instrumento, de modelos de fichas, para la valoración de las competencias tanto genéricas como específicas de las asignaturas obligatorias de dirección y organización deportiva en el Grado en Ciencias del Deporte en la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, de tal forma que sirvan para la observación de la adquisición de las competencias tanto si se desarrollan de forma individual como grupal. Todo ello, forma parte de un proyecto de innovación educativa en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte en la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid con la finalidad de constituir un material docente útil para el profesorado ante la incorporación y la importancia del desarrollo de las competencias, en el marco de la Convergencia Europea, que el alumnado debe adquirir durante el transcurso del nuevo grado de Ciencias del Deporte. Asimismo, en este proceso de establecimiento de las actuaciones y la metodología a seguir para la elaboración del instrumento se ha pretendido y conseguido que el profesorado aprenda, se implique, reflexione y conceptualice sobre las competencias y su evaluación, los elementos que las integran, quién debe participar en dicho proceso, los instrumentos que se deben utilizar así como el proceso que hay que seguir para llevarla a cabo. Además, se presenta una propuesta innovadora en la cual el profesorado puede apoyarse y valerse de este instrumento de evaluación para la elaboración, a partir de unas fases y procesos determinados, de modelos de fichas para la valoración de las competencias tanto genéricas como específicas, de tal forma que sirvan para la observación de la adquisición de las competencias tanto si se desarrollan de forma individual como grupal. De igual forma, se pretende que sirvan para diferentes tipos de evaluación en función de quién participe en el proceso evaluador: heteroevaluación, coevaluación y autoevaluación

Innovación docente en la asignatura de didáctica de la actividad física y del deporte a través de una metodología activa

En el marco del nuevo cambio del modelo de enseñanza y de aprendizaje del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, se pretende dar a conocer el proceso de enseñanza y de aprendizaje a través de una metodología activa llevado a cabo en la asignatura de Didáctica de la Actividad Física y del Deporte en los estudios de la Licenciatura de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte en la Universidad de Alcalá. Los objetivos que se han perseguido en el desarrollo de esta metodología son los siguientes: facilitar un conocimiento más profundo y duradero mediante un aprendizaje activo, favorecer una participación del alumnado en el proceso evaluador, adquirir determinadas competencias necesarias para el ejercicio profesional, beneficiar un aprendizaje por comprensión frente a un aprendizaje memorístico y establecer una mayor interacción entre profesor-alumno y entre alumno-alumno. Para ello, se ha utilizado una combinación de diferentes estrategias metodológicas que potencian la participación activa y autónoma de los alumnos en su propio proceso de aprendizaje a nivel cognitivo, afectivo y social y donde la profesora ha pretendido ser una mediadora y facilitadora del aprendizaje del alumnado, resolviendo dudas y dando las directrices del camino que debe seguir. Igualmente, en la evaluación también ha participado el alumnado a través de la coevaluación, autoevaluación y heteroevaluación del alumnado. De esta forma, a través de una metodología activa en las clases se ha pretendido fomentar un aprendizaje activo a partir de una orientación del aprendizaje por medio de la propia experiencia: aprender a aprender; de la participación del alumnado en el proceso evaluador, del desarrollo del espíritu crítico y de la creatividad, de una orientación de la educación hacia un ambiente socializante, del fomento de la iniciativa del alumno y de la creación de un clima de investigación. No obstante, la profesora, en un proceso de autoevaluación de su propia enseñanza, ha encontrado una serie de limitaciones o inconvenientes en el uso de este tipo de metodología

Efecto de las TIC's en la mejora del conocimiento y capacidad de análisis del juego en las asignaturas de deportes de la FCCAFYD - INEF

El presente estudio pretende analizar la utilidad de las nuevas tecnologías para mejorar el proceso de enseñanza – aprendizaje en las asignaturas referidas a los fundamentos de los deportes en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF-Madrid). Para ello, se ha llevado un estudio comparativo de resultados entre tres grupos de alumnos que han utilizado diferentes metodologías: a) NULA UTILIZACIÓN DE TIC´S (Gr.0; n=35): clases magistrales, sin utilización de la plataforma institucional de la UPM, ni realización de trabajos relacionados con las nuevas tecnologías. b) UTILIZACIÓN FRECUENTE DE TIC´S AUNQUE DE FORMA PASIVA (Gr.1; n=33): clases con medios audiovisuales, acceso a los contenidos de la asignatura mediante la plataforma virtual institucional de la UPM y no realizaron de trabajos con nuevas tecnologías. c) UTILIZACIÓN FRECUENTE DE TIC´S Y DE FORMA ACTIVA (Gr.2; n=43): similar al grupo anterior con la inclusión de trabajos y tareas complementarias relacionadas con las nuevas tecnologías. Se evaluó a los tres grupos al comienzo y final del cuatrimestre, tras el proceso metodológico diferenciado, en dos bloques: conocimiento de contenidos (Cto.) y capacidad perceptiva y de análisis (PA). Los resultados confirmaron una mejora en ambos bloques en los tres grupos analizados, sin embargo se observaron diferencias según la metodología utilizada. Los valores correspondientes al examen inicial fueron similares en los tres grupos mientras que en el examen final las diferencias fueron significativas en todos los grupos y bloques (p≤0,01). El Grupo 2 obtuvo las mejores puntuaciones (Cto=6,51 ± 1,61; PA=6,53 ± 1,09), con significativas diferencias respecto a los grupos cuya utilización de nuevas tecnologías había sido menor. El Grupo 1 obtuvo valores significativamente superiores (Cto=5,03 ± 0,73; PA=5,36 ± 0,96) a los obtenidos por el Grupo 0 (Cto=4,43 ± 0,77; PA=3,03 ± 0,89). Teniendo en cuenta que los valores iniciales fueron similares en los tres grupos, se observó que el grado de mejora (pretest y test) fue muy superior en los grupos que utilizaron TIC´s que en el grupo que no las utilizó. En los tres casos y en ambos bloques, las diferencias entre los valores del pretest y del test fueron significativas (p≤0,01). Estos resultados permiten afirmar que el uso de las nuevas tecnologías repercute de forma directa en el resultado del aprendizaje del alumno universitario de balonmano: cuanta más tecnología se utiliza, más se aprende

Marketing education, distance learning and hypermedia : teaching 'current issues in marketing' in a virtual campus

This article reports on a project at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC: The Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona) to develop an innovative package of hypermedia-based learning materials for a new course entitled 'Current Issues in Marketing'. The UOC is a distance university entirely based on a virtual campus. The learning materials project was undertaken in order to benefit from the advantages which new communication technologies offer to the teaching of marketing in distance education. The article reviews the main issues involved in incorporating new technologies in learning materials, the development of the learning materials, and their functioning within the hypermedia based virtual campus of the UOC. An empirical study is then carried out in order to evaluate the attitudes of students to the project. Finally, suggestions for improving similar projects in the future are put forward.

Redefining dropping out in online higher education: a case study from the UOC

In recent years, studies into the reasons for dropping out of higher education (including online education) have been undertaken with greater regularity, parallel to the rise in the relative weight of this type of education, compared with brick-and-mortar education. However, the work invested in characterising the students who drop out of education, compared with those who do not, appears not to have had the same relevance as that invested in the analysis of the causes. The definition of dropping out is very sensitive to the context. In this article, we reach a purely empirical definition of student dropping out, based on the probability of not continuing a specific academic programme following several consecutive semesters of "theoretical break". Dropping out should be properly defined before analysing its causes, as well as comparing the drop-out rates between the different online programmes, or between online and on-campus ones. Our results show that there are significant differences among programmes, depending on their theoretical extension, but not their domain of knowledge.

Engaging students in an e-learning experience : how to manage information resources through wikis and web blogs

The purpose of this paper is to describe the collaboration between librarians and scholars, from a virtual university, in order to facilitate collaborative learning on how to manage information resources. The personal information behaviour of e-learning students when managing information resources for academic, professional and daily life purposes was studied from 24 semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The results of the content analysis of the interview' transcriptions, highlighted that in the workplace and daily life contexts, competent information behaviour is always linked to a proactive attitude, that is to say, that participants seek for information without some extrinsic reward or avoiding punishment. In the academic context, it was observed a low level of information literacy and it seems to be related with a prevalent uninvolved attitude.

Faculty-librarians collaboration in an e-learning experience : resources management and training in Open University of Catalonia (UOC)

The traditional model of learning based on knowledge transfer doesn't promote the acquisition of information-related competencies and development of autonomous learning. More needs to be done to embrace learner-centred approaches, based on constructivism, collaboration and co-operation. This new learning paradigm is aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) requirements. In this sense, a learning experience based in faculty' librarian collaboration was seen as the best option for promoting student engagement and also a way to increase information-related competences in Open University of Catalonia (UOC) academic context. This case study outlines the benefits of teacher-librarian collaboration in terms of pedagogy innovation, resources management and introduction of open educational resources (OER) in virtual classrooms, Information literacy (IL) training and use of 2.0 tools in teaching. Our faculty-librarian's collaboration aims to provide an example of technology-enhanced learning and demonstrate how working together improves the quality and relevance of educational resources in UOC's virtual classrooms. Under this new approach, while teachers change their role from instructors to facilitators of the learning process and extend their reach to students, libraries acquire an important presence in the academic learning communities.

Engaging students in an e-learning experience : how to manage information resources through wikis and web blogs

The purpose of this paper is to describe the collaboration between librarians and scholars, from a virtual university, in order to facilitate collaborative learning on how to manage information resources. The personal information behaviour of e-learning students when managing information resources for academic, professional and daily life purposes was studied from 24 semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The results of the content analysis of the interview' transcriptions, highlighted that in the workplace and daily life contexts, competent information behaviour is always linked to a proactive attitude, that is to say, that participants seek for information without some extrinsic reward or avoiding punishment. In the academic context, it was observed a low level of information literacy and it seems to be related with a prevalent uninvolved attitude.

Combining Generic Programming and Service-Oriented Architectures for the Effective and Timely Development of Complex e-Learning Systems

Peer-reviewed

An Experimental Study on Peer Selection in a P2P Network over PlanetLab

Peer-reviewed

Reflective Learning in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis

A descriptive, exploratory study is presented based on a questionnaire regarding the following aspects of reflective learning: a) self-knowledge, b) relating experience to knowledge, c) self-reflection, and d) self-regulation of the learning processes. The questionnaire was completed by students studying four different degree courses (social education, environmental sciences, nursing, and psychology). Specifically, the objectives of a self-reported reflective learning questionnaire are: i) to determine students’ appraisal of reflective learning methodology with regard to their reflective learning processes, ii) to obtain evidence of the main difficulties encountered by students in integrating reflective learning methodologies into their reflective learning processes, and iii) to collect students’ perceptions regarding the main contributions of the reflective learning processes they have experienced

Instructor support for self-directed learning in higher education

This study addressed the problem of instructor support for self-directed learning, specifically, learner-directed program planning, within a classroom setting in higher education. A combination of survey, interview, document analysis, and observation was used to assess and evaluate the attitudes and practices of a sample of full-time faculty at an Ontario university. Eighty-seven percent of the study sample reported instructional beliefs, values, and expectations that were not supportive of self-directed learning, especially in terms of student participation in program planning. Planning was seen as the responsibility of the instructor. Instructors were least open to student participation in the planning of the evaluation of learning. However, there was considerable stated support for other of the basic principles of adult education. The remaining 13% of the study sample reported instructional beliefs, values, and expectations that were fully supportive of self-directed learning. Instructional practices were analyzed in relation to the instructors' stated beliefs. Although practices reflected, in many instances, instructors' statements of support, there were some significant discrepancies between apparent support for the concept of self-directed learning and actual classroom practice. Both beliefs and practice were compared to a research model of self-directed learning. Most instructors did not have a concept of self-directed learning as comprehensive as that described in the research model. Instructor support for self-directed learning was profoundly influenced by the university setting. It was concluded that more strenuous attempts to research, enhance, and promote instructional and institutional support for self-directed learning in higher education are warranted.

Accommodating College ESL Learner Communication Needs: Perceptions, Policies, and Practices

The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to determine how the Practical Nursing and Pharmacy Technician programs in one southern Ontario community college could more effectively accommodate ESL learners' communication needs. The literature review examined (a) linguistic issues, such as language testing and second-language learning theories, (b) organizational matters, such as ESL curriculum and teacher training, and (c) affective issues, such as motivation for second-language learning, learning styles, and the student-teacher relationship. I gathered perceptual data from the programs' administrators, faculty members, and ESL learners. Eleven participants took part in individual interviews or a focus group session. The results suggest that ESL learners need assistance with discipline-specific vocabulary and cultural nuances. College ESL learners' weak communicative competence, together with misleading acceptance standards for ESL learners and limited support available to faculty members and to students, decrease opportunities for successful completion of the programs. The results point to re-assessment of the college's admission policies and procedures, program evaluation practices that consider the needs of ESL learners, discipline-specific language support, and strategies to enhance the ESL student-teacher relationship. The study highlights theory relating to ESL learners' self-perception and engagement, as well as the importance of including the voice of college ESL learners in educational research. The results suggest that despite ESL learners' perseverance in completing their studies, power imbalances remain. The college has yet to implement organizational strategies such as discipline-specific communications and ESL courses and extended language support that could meet the communication needs of ESL learners in the two programs.

Experience in introduction of English terminology in engineering lessons: methodology and evaluation

This communication explains a experience for the introduction of English terminology in a technical degree of higher education. We present the methodology and assessment procedures used to evaluate the way the students perceived the introduction of terminology in English in two different subjects from 3rd and 5th year courses of a Computer Science degree in which English was not the vehicular language. We propose a strategy based on two main pillars, namely: 1) The design of materials, explanations, and exams, paying particular attention to the way in which the specific terminology was exposed to the students, and 2) The assessment of the impact in the students by means of the analysis of the feedback trough a set of enquiries. Our experience showed that the students responded very positively to the introduction of English terminology, and presented an affirmative feedback about the impact that an improvement of their linguistic abilities would have in their future work. Further, we present statistics regarding the use of English as the vehicular language for technical reports, which is envisaged as very useful by the students. Finally, we propose a set of questions for further debate which are centered in the role that English terminology should pay in technical degrees, and about the way in which universities should deploy resources in English languages within the different Syllabus