APPLYING B-LEARNING METHODOLOGY IN THE “BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESSES” SUBJECT ON THE UNIVERSITY OF ALICANTE EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE COURSE

Introduction
This study describes how the b-learning methodology developed during the 2008-2009 academic year as part of the “Basic Psychological Processes” subject on the University of Alicante (UA) Educational Psychology degree course.

With the b-learning teaching method, materials and activities designed for student use can benefit from the advantages of both attendance-based and online teaching, ensuring that students receive quality teaching that meets the methodology recommendations set out in the convergence criteria of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Objective
The general objective of this work is for students to acquire the basics of responsible and focused learning by developing skills, abilities and competencies in the “Basic Psychological Processes” subject, by means of a b-learning teaching method.

Methodology
As this is a semi-attendance subject, the objective will be achieved through attendance-based classes and two teaching-learning support tools (virtual attendance classes):

- The University of Alicante technology platform, known as the Campus Virtual, using tools such as “Sessions” and “Controls”, as well as the "announcements" and "tutorials" communication channels.

- The http://www.psb.ua.es website, produced by the teaching staff from the University of Alicante Department of Health Psychology as support for the teaching-learning process in this subject, in which all students enrolled on the course have access to useful information on the subject matter, including web links, databases, bibliography, journals, a glossary, and so on.

Results
A year after this pilot experience was implemented, an ad hoc questionnaire was produced to assess student satisfaction with the teaching method. All the students surveyed stated that they were very satisfied with the b-learning method, as most of them also have other jobs, and this type of methodology helped them to follow the subject and work on it more easily.

This research project was subsidised by the Pro-Vice-Chancellorship of Educational Technology and Innovation (U.A) 2007 pilot project for teaching subjects using the blended learning model.