Tutorials for Computer Skills in the First Course of a New Engineering Degree

Abstract

In the University of Jaén, 2010-2011 has been the first academic year offering a Computer Engineering degree adapted to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The process of convergence to the EHEA demands methods that must be mainly focused on learning processes and therefore provides an opportunity of innovation and improvement on the educational methodology. Lecturers are being trained for the implementation of technological tools in their subjects as well as the adaptation to the new requirements. In the subjects "Statistics" and "Numerical methods" that appear in the current plan of studies of the University of Jaén, a common problem is that to understand the theory, computer practice is needed. The diversity of students in our classes means that some students understand the use of mathematical or statistical package very quickly but others need more attention. We introduce our students in Virtual Teaching to effective learning environments and improved teacher-student interaction. In the learning platform, notes were adapted to a more dynamic process and learning guidelines were also stated. The practical part is to carry out by computer activities. This paper describes the use of multimedia didactical material for computer practice to promote self-learning and enhance the acquisition of computer skills. Students were surveyed to discuss the acceptance and learning effectiveness of this methodology.