Abstract:

This paper presents the application of group work activities for the dynamisation of the Computer Networks course in the Computer Engineering degree at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. The main goal of these activities is to facilitate, improve and reinforce the learning of this subject topic. The Computer Networks course consists of a set of theoretical sessions, the most significant part in terms of time and assessment, and a series of practical laboratories. Since the theoretical part of the course has traditionally been structured in lectures and problem sessions, this proposal aims to introduce active learning activities in order to increase students’ interest and engagement, as well as to improve their final results. Specifically, several activities are presented to encourage problem-solving and the reinforcement of theoretical concepts through group work and peer-to-peer learning. The proposal aims to create a space for reviewing concepts towards the middle of the course, helping students to be aware of their progress up to that point and facilitating them to redirect their work if necessary. In addition, another group activity is proposed towards the end of the course, so that students can review all the content of the subject (theory and problems) to focus their efforts on the identified weaknesses, thus improving their knowledge of the subject and their confidence towards the final exam.

Keywords:

Active learning, Teamwork, Dynamisation.