Abstract:

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has provoked a big challenge to education centres at all levels – basic, medium and superior. Consequently, teachers have the duty of adapting their learning methods and contents under ICT advances. This is quite importance to ensure that current students will acquire the competences demanded by the society of XXI century (Mbuva, 2014).

The systems of data storage via the cloud are one the great technological advances derived from ITC. According to Mell and Grance (2011: 2) ‘Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. In this regard, it is worth noting that Dropbox is one of the most popular data store systems for both adults and young people (de Jorge Moreno, 2012).

Under a Spanish context, the aim of this paper is to identify student’s perception regarding Dropbox utility as a tool to improve the “team work” within the framework of Intermediate and Advance Vocational Training Educational Cycles. In particular this study general objective raises the following research questions:
• RQ1. Is Dropbox a known tool and used by Vocational Training Educational Cycles?
• RQ2. What students think on the advantages of Dropbox with regards to the “team work” in the classroom?
• RQ3. In lines with RQ2, Is Dropbox an adequate learning supporting tool ?
• RQ4. Is Dropbox perceived as a useful tool for the better integration of students in their future work environment?

The method used was a questionnaire, performed right after the students were carried out a practice in working groups which demanded the use of Dropbox. The sample consist of 35 students (between 18 and 25 years old) belonging to Intermediate Vocational Training Educational Cycles and 30 students belonging to an Upper Vocational Training Educational Cycle. The period of analysis was April to May 2017.

As the main findings, Dropbox is a cloud storage system known and used by Vocational Training Educational students. In general students see Dropbox as an easy and useful to work in groups in a more collaborative manner as it improves the communication among the members of the group. In addition, students agree in considering Dropbox a motivational tool for fostering team work and useful and it will provide benefits for their future work environment. However, there are differences between students of Upper and intermediates Vocational Training Educational Cycles in the use of Dropbox as a tool for working in real time with their colleagues.

References:
[1] De Jorge Moreno, J. (2012). Using social network and dropbox in blended learning: An application to university education. Business, Management and Education, 10(2), 220.
[2] Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing.
[3] Mbuva, J. M. (2014). ONLINE EDUCATION: PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS. Journal of Business and Educational Leadership, 5(1), 91-101. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1644485704?accountid=14477

Keywords:

Education, cloud, ICT, collaborative learning.