Números Publicados > Volumen y Número

Title- On-line Evaluation Methodology sessions in Computer Science Degree.

Abstract- This paper presents a proposal for assessment the laboratory sessions of a subject of the first course in Computer Science degrees. This methodology is based on on-line short-answer exam questions related to the concepts studied in each session. Analyzing the academic results of a wide group of students, it has been demonstrated that this way of evaluating the knowledge is precise. The obtained grades norsub-estimate neither overestimate the student’s work, being similar to the ones achieved in a final exam. Moreover, there is a feedback which allows the teacher to go into detail about those aspects of the subject that students have not understood.

Index Terms- Continuous assessment, online learning environments, teaching/learning strategies, laboratory practicals

Title- Expert usability evaluation for learning management systems.

Abstract- We present a proposal for expert evaluation of usability of learning management systems that employs an instrument that is designed on the basis of the general criteria for heuristic evaluation proposed by Nielsen[3], as well as on international standards, guides and recommendations for software quality (ISO-9241e ISO 9126). We present the results from applying such an instrument to the evaluation of the usability of Metacampus, a learning management system developed by, and in use at the Virtual University System at the University of Guadalajara.

Index Terms- Learning management system, usability, expert evaluation.

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Title- How to apply a Mobile Personal Environment to a Computer Science subject.

Abstract- Information and Communication Technologies are changing the tools that people use in their daily life. Teaching and learning processes are also affected. These technologies emphasize the fact that learning is not always linked to an institution or a period of time. However institutional learning systems do not support this concept and this makes necessary the definition of Personal Learning Environments. This paper describes the experience of the application of one of those personal environments implemented for mobile devices that is able to exchange information with the institutional systems. From this experience it is possible to say the definition of mobile Personal Learning Environments is possible, it increases learners’ motivation and enriches their learning; and at the same time it is possible to take into account what the learners do beyond the institution.

Index Terms- Interoperability, LMS, mobile, motivation, PLE.

Title- Engineering contributions into a Knowledge Society multicultural perspective

Abstract- Last November 2013, a new Conference about Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality (TEEM) was held in the University of Salamanca, linked to a new PhD Programme about Education in Knowledge Society. This PhD Programme and the TEEM Conference present a interdisciplinary and multicultural approach about the challenges and problem solutions in the Knowledge Society. Engineering and in more specific way Software and Computer Engineering play a very outstanding role in this Conference and PhD Programme. We want to thank RITA Journal its support to this project and the opportunity to select a couple of papers from TEEM Conference be extended in this issue.

Index Terms- Engineering, Multiculturality, Interdisciplinary, Knowledge Society, PhD Programme, TEEM Conference.

Title- Using robots and animals as a motivating tool for teaching IT courses.

Abstract- This article presents the use of robots to increase students’ engagement in non-robotic IT courses. It describes the experience of using robots in a course on computer architecture of the computer engineering program at the Universidad de León (Spain). It also states that including competitions contributes to students’ engagement. Finally, we show how the use of natural and unpredictable elements (living animals) in the environment makes these competitions more challenging. Preliminary analysis of this experience is also discussed based on a group of 67 students. We assessed the students’ attendance, their final marks, and also the subjective impression about lectures through in ad-hoc questionnaires.

Index Terms- Computer science education, student experiments, robotics.

Title- Contribution of Virtual Classrooms to the Personal Learning Environments (PLE) of the students of the Career of Informatics Applied to Education of National University of Chimborazo.

Abstract- the present study investigates the use of virtual classrooms as tools constitute student’s Personal Learning Environments (PLE) in the career of Informatics Applied to Education in the National University of Chimborazo -Ecuador, as main results we mention that there is an increasing of courses that rely on virtual classrooms, but learning occurs both in and out of these learning environments. This study is the starting point for future research on the relevance, impact, effectiveness of incorporating the LMS in the university teaching as well as on relations and possibilities of integration between LMS, PLEs and mobile learning.

Index Terms- Electronic learning, Information Technology and Communication (ICT), Personal Learning Environments (PLE); Learning Management Systems (LMS); Higher Education; Virtual Classrooms.