An applied project of ICT-based active learning for the new model of university education

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to apply active learning methodologies in a group of subjects of different degrees and diplomas taught at the University of Valladolid, with the aim of adapting them to the new educational model of the European Higher Education Area. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based active methodologies offer numerous possibilities, since they allow cooperative work and both distance and blended learning. This paper describes an applied project, which has been financially supported by the 'Consejeria de Educacion de la Junta de Castilla y Leon' (Education Authority of the Regional Government of Castilla y Leon). An educational interaction system called QUEST (Quest Environment for Self-managed Training) is proposed. The system is based on telematics and allows the development of cooperative and competitive workshops. It presents individual and group work environments in which several intellectual 'challenges', to be solved in a time-constrained way, are proposed to the students by students and/or teachers.