International Conference Education Technology and Computers 

About: International Conference Education Technology and Computers is an academic conference. The conference publishes majorly in the area(s): Higher education & Web application. Over the lifetime, 221 publications have been published by the conference receiving 636 citations.

Padlet as an educational tool: pedagogical considerations and lessons learnt

Abstract: Reported in this study is an academic's exploration with Padlet to support the teaching of Communication Skills to second year Degree students. Padlet is a web 2.0 tool which can be used to share information, images, audio or video files on virtual walls. The study reports the impact of pedagogical approaches when Padlet was used to support learning. Data collection for this study incorporated qualitative questionnaires, analyses of students' responses to Padlet activities and teacher's feedback, and observation of students' behaviour when Padlet is used in class. The study found that the pedagogical approaches employed had some influence on students' use of Padlet and despite good intentions, some of these approaches had created barriers to learning. Alternative pedagogical approaches are recommended when using Padlet in the classrooms.

Teaching-Learning Process through VR Applied to Automotive Engineering

Abstract: This article proposes the implementation of a virtual tool applied to the field of Automotive Engineering, with the aim of strengthening the processes of teaching-learning, so that the student can achieve meaningful learning. The system consists of the implementation of a virtual automotive laboratory, in which you can take guided classes, specific practices and evaluations in the automotive field, allowing greater immersion and interaction during the teaching-learning process in order to optimize resources, materials, infrastructure, time, among other benefits. The system allows to select the working environment and the level of difficulty during the teaching-learning process. At the end of the article we present the results of a usability test of the proposed tool, applied to teachers and students, in order to feed back the application.

Podcast as e-Learning Enabler for Developing Countries: Current Initiatives, Challenges and Trends

Abstract: In developing countries, the access to information and communication technologies is considered crucial to promote development and integration into a knowledge society. Human capital must also be considered as a source of sustainable development and social inclusion to create appropriate solutions according to the challenges of the science and education ecosystem of each country. Therefore, in these countries, e-learning is presently considered a key solution to promote global access to knowledge, fight illiteracy and increase the access to higher education. Several specific programs and e-learning initiatives have been encouraged, having however scarce results so far.In this context, having Africa as main focus and, in particular, the technological and educational Mozambican ecosystem, this paper aims at discussing current initiatives in the e-learning context that can provide clear inputs regarding the challenges and critical factors affecting success. In particular, a case study of the relevance of providing podcast services at National Research and Education Network (NREN) level is discussed, and quantitative evidence of the success of e-learning initiatives in Africa is presented. Through the debate of pertinent case studies and corresponding outcomes, the relevance of supporting podcasting and e-learning as NREN advanced services is here stressed, aiming at facilitating the enrolment of academic and scientific institutions and enlarging the scope of the obtained results.

Teachers' Experiences towards Usage of Learning Management System: CANVAS

Abstract: The automated way of learning and interacting with students bids a lot of advantages that can be accomplished through different system. Among them, the most popular approach is the use of a learning management system. Canvas, the world's most reliable LMS is a platform being introduced in universities of the Philippines. This research aims to examine the experiences of instructors towards usage of Canvas according to the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model. A total of 130 instructors teaching different courses and are exposed to the use of CANVAS participated in this study. An adopted and modified set of questionnaire based on UTAUT used to collect data which is then descriptively analyzed using SmartPLS 3. Results of this study encourage teachers to maximize the use of technology. Significant results and information were also obtained for administrators, instructors and students on how to improve effective usage of the system.

Is StackOverflow an Effective Complement to Gaining Practical Knowledge Compared to Traditional Computer Science Learning

Abstract: In this paper, a method is proposed to assist computer science lecturers in including StackOverflow content in their teaching practice. StackOverflow is a very popular Q&A website about computer programming accessed by approximately 21 million professional developers and university-level students. The primary purpose reported in this paper is to assess the impact of using the StackOverflow Q&A resource as an add-in supplement to enhance students' learning achievements. The study sample consisted of 38 undergraduate students who enrolled in a database module. Students were divided in control and experimental group. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted with both groups in the chosen subject. A comparison was made between the treatment group, which used StackOverflow Q&A as a tutorial tool, and the control group, which studied the same topic using a traditional learning format (set of printed exercises as well as text book examples). Our results show how both the experimental group and the control group significantly improved their performance in the post-test. While the experimental group improved their performance more than the control group, the gap was not significant. The results enable it to conclude that StackOverflow material was at least as effective as the traditional material. The finding may be useful in offering new perspectives towards computer science pedagogy that will provide students with more authentic practice to prepare them for their future careers.