Effects of Competitive E-Learning Tools on Higher Education Students: A Case Study

Abstract

Over the last few years, most of the attempts to introduce active learning methodologies in the classroom have made use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Many of these efforts have been directed to collaborative scenarios used in remote, blended or face-to-face experiences, in order to take advantage of the flexibility provided by ICT. However competitive learning could also have some positive effects on the success of the learning process, to be added to those of collaborative virtual environments. This paper explores the effects of competitive learning on the satisfaction and the academic achievement of telecommunications students. A tool for active and competitive learning (called QUEST) has been used in the "Communications Networks" undergraduate course. Significant results on the use of competitive e-learning tools in university students' outcomes and satisfaction are presented.

La difusión de la innovación docente: retos y reflexiones

“…En la literatura especializada se pueden encontrar trabajos (Regueras, 2009) donde se propone que la motivación y la satisfacción del alumnado están altamente relacionadas con el éxito del proceso de aprendizaje. Una de las técnicas más populares para evaluar productos tecnológicos consiste en recoger información sobre la experiencia de los usuarios (Hassan, 2006).…”

Uso de Hiperdatos en un Laboratorio de Electrónica (Códigos QR) - [Use of Hyperdata in a Laboratory of Electronics (QR Codes)]

“…Por otro lado, existe una fuerte correlación entre la motivación y satisfacción de los estudiantes y el éxito de las actividades de aprendizaje virtual, ya que se asocian a un mayor aprovechamiento de los estudiantes (Regueras, 2009). En este sentido, se ha diseñado una encuesta específica para obtener información acerca de los resultados de la actividad propuesta, en la que se presenta a los estudiantes una serie de afirmaciones antes las cuales deben indicar su grado de acuerdo siguiendo una escala de Likert.…”

Conceptual Design and Validation of Meta-Model for Active e-Learning

“…[4] .Furthermore, active learning improves student attitudes and develops thinking and writing skills, which is why it is recommended as a teaching method to improve learning [5]. In addition, the development of ICT have enabled the creation of tools which make collaborative work easier, such as communication tools (e-mail, forum, chat, videoconference, …) and document sharing and management tools.…”