Números Publicados > Volumen y Número

Title- Computer labs on virtual environments: A flexible, portable and multidisciplinary model.

Abstract- Teaching of computer-aided practical subjects in engineering education creates new challenges. Computers have to be configured to support particular requirements of each subject. Virtual Environments allows the building of a Virtual Machine (VM) tailored to requirements of each subject, allowing flexible, versatile and low cost laboratories. However, the use of multiple VM at a shared computing facility creates new problems, both technical and related to the performance of the class sessions. To solve these challenges, we have developed the Virtual Machine on-Demand (VMoD) tool. It automates the adaptation of each VM to the environment in which it is deployed and simplifies its use to students. As a result, the creation of computer-aided engineering laboratories on a shared computing facility using VM is possible and profitable.

Index Terms- Engineering education computer-aided laboratories; Virtual environments; Shared computing facility; Computer applications; Programming languages.

Title- Proposal to apply a code of good teaching practice in engineering.

Abstract- Excellence is one of the goals of Higher Education. One possible way to achieve this objective is by applying a culture based on the concepts of quality and innovation. However, the real-world application of these concepts in Higher Education teaching is a difficult task. In this paper, we present a Web tool to help teachers apply a code of good teaching practice based on quality and innovation concepts. This code has been used for several years in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computing courses, although it could be applied to any other area. To assess this code, objective and external metrics have been used. Results show that the code helps to improve students' satisfaction as well as their academic results. Teachers' views on the code are also moderately positive.

Index Terms- Real-world evaluation, good practice, teaching, quality, innovation, engineering.

Title- Using Professional Resources for Teaching Embedded SW Development

Abstract- In order to prepare the student for its future professional performance, it is required to propose complex and realistic practical activities. However, these kind of activities typically requires large times, resources and collateral knowledge to be carried out. To overcame these difficulties, this work presents a subject of Telecommunication Engineering Degree, taught making use of different professional materials. Using these materials, it is easier to transmit information to the students through case-study methodologies. Additionally, their use simplifies the preparation of problems and complex projects without generating the perception that the activities are mostly resolved thanks to teaching help instead of due to student's performance. To demonstrate these ideas, the article focuses on three practical activities covered by the subject: one based on the use of web resources, one using information from a professional design contest, and the last one focused on technical datasheets and application notes. These activities have been selected in order to achieve an adequate difficulty degree and to be attractive for students.

Index Terms- competences; design contest; technical documents; datasheets, embedded systems education

Title- Gamification of the learning process: lessons learned

Abstract- Although several definitions of gamification can be found in the literature, they all have in common certain aspects: the application of strategies, models, dynamics, mechanics and elements of the games in other contexts than games, and the objective of producing a playful experience that fosters motivation, involvement and fun. In this paper, our approach gamifying the learning process of a subject is presented. Our experience throughout time in using games and gamification in learning have led us to propose, lately, a personalized, automated and gamified learning system. As a result of this experience and after several years of continuous feedback from our students, we have learned several lessons on how to approach the task of gamification. These lessons are summarized in the following concepts: fun, motivation, autonomy, progressiveness, feedback, error tolerance, experimentation, creativity and adaptation to the specific case. The final aim is sharing our experience and opening a debate about what key elements the gamification lies in.

Index Terms- gamification, fun, motivation, feedback, trial and error, experimentation, autonomy

Title- PLEs in mobile contexts: new ways to personalize learning.

Abstract- Today most people worldwide have mobile electronic devices, which they have begun to be used for educational purposes. On the other hand, the adoption of learning management systems in universities have not provided the best results, because students maintain their personal spaces where they learn. The aim of this paper is to conceptualize the mobile Personal Learning Environments (mPLE) and propose a design structure for implementation. Finally, it is noted that it is now possible to design the mPLE, due to the wide variety of tools, resources and services of the Web 2.0 optimized for mobile devices.

Index Terms- Terms—electronic learning, higher education, mobile learning, personal learning environments.