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Use of synchronous e‐learning at university degrees
Author(s) -
Fita Ana,
Monserrat Jose F.,
Moltó Germán,
Mestre Eva M.,
RodriguezBurruezo Adrián
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
computer applications in engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.478
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1099-0542
pISSN - 1061-3773
DOI - 10.1002/cae.21773
Subject(s) - computer science , asynchronous communication , virtual learning environment , process (computing) , tourism , multimedia , multidisciplinary approach , service (business) , e learning , distance education , engineering management , engineering , world wide web , mathematics education , the internet , social science , economy , mathematics , sociology , political science , law , economics , operating system , computer network
Different types of Course Management Systems (CMS) are fully integrated in conventional and online courses in many Universities degrees. Although they are suitable for lecturer‐student information sharing, their asynchronous nature prevents an efficient interaction, which may hamper the learning process. As an alternative, synchronous virtual learning platforms can help fill the gaps in traditional CMS. However, there is very little feedback regarding its use in higher education. The Universitat Politècnica de València introduced in 2010 a synchronous e‐learning platform, named Poli[ReunióN], an Adobe Connect‐based online service. Poli[ReunióN] provides virtual sessions where interaction between lecturers and students is enabled by means of audio/video‐conferences and software application sharing. By following this path, Poli[ReunióN] provides an opportunity for planning new educational experiences where technology may help to achieve new learning objectives. However, the implementation of this tool still needs to be explored. In order to check its usefulness, we have performed a multidisciplinary learning experience involving a wide range of subjects over several degrees: Private Telecommunication Systems (degree in Telecommunications Engineering), Algorithms and Data Structure (degree in Computer Sciences), English for International Tourism (degree in Tourism Management), Genetics and Plant Breeding (degree in Agricultural Engineering), and a specific course for teachers’ training. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of Poli[ReunióN] in tutoring and in different learning activities proposed in the aforementioned degrees are discussed from both perspectives—lecturers and students. These experiences may help lecturers and other education professionals to adopt similar e‐learning tools. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:982–993, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae ; DOI 10.1002/cae.21773