ERIC Number: EJ1216505
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Aug
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2407-9898
EISSN: N/A
Widget Based Learning in Math and Physics Undergraduate Courses as Blended Learning Approach
Delgado-Cepeda, Francisco Javier
Athens Journal of Education, v3 n3 p241-260 Aug 2016
This work summarizes the didactic design and introductory outcomes in an educative program, involving six math and physics university courses for engineers, based on the use and construction of widgets. Widgets were generated under Project Oriented Learning and blended learning methodologies. In the program, widgets previously generated by teachers are firstly used by students to appropriate basic and middle concepts. After, students were requested to generate their own widgets to develop complex thinking skills, applying related concepts but involving alternative situations. Design was based on curriculum integration to build mathematical, technical and visual representations of the problems and concepts involved. Wolfram Alpha, Desmos and Mathtab widget developers were used to generate ad hoc activities in terms of their capabilities and course requirements. Post-test only results of students' value perceptions indicated positive attitudes towards the use of widgets. Differential gain in the general learning performance between experimental and control groups was less conclusive. Researcher observations of teachers' educative technology skills acquired are also reported.
Descriptors: Blended Learning, College Mathematics, College Science, Physics, Engineering Education, Computer Oriented Programs, Student Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness, College Faculty, Foreign Countries, Academic Achievement, Technological Literacy, Undergraduate Students
Athens Institute for Education & Research. 8 Valaoritou Street, Kolonaki, Athens 10671, Greece. e-mail: education@atiner.gr; Web site: https://www.athensjournals.gr/aje
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mexico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A