Abstract:

In the 21st century, digital competences are paramount, influencing various life aspects and revolutionizing educational paradigms. This transformation necessitates both educators and learners to adeptly harness digital tools and resources for effective teaching, learning, and collaboration. Our study investigates the impact of integrating digital competencies into mathematical education, specifically focusing on the learning outcomes of double integral calculus among university students of Civil Engineering.

Digital competencies are indispensable for contemporary success, altering both pedagogical strategies and learning methodologies. Integrating these competencies within the educational framework offers significant advantages, notably:
(i) fostering productive and innovative technology use,
(ii) enhancing the ability to discern credible information sources and critically assess diverse viewpoints, and
(iii) cultivating essential skills such as abstract reasoning, creativity, analytical proficiency, and information literacy.

These skills are vital for thriving in a digitally-driven and environmentally conscious society. Additionally, digital platforms empower educators to tailor content, assignments, and feedback to accommodate diverse student learning preferences and capabilities.

The study engaged teaching staff and recent first-year students of Civil Engineering at University of Maribor. The research aims to elucidate the significant benefits and implications of embedding digital competences. The empirical component of our study divided participants into two cohorts based on their access to digital resources while learning double integrals. The first group utilized ''Paul's Online Notes'', ''Interactive Mathematics'' and the use of ''Scientific NoteBook'', a computational tool designed to make mathematical computations simpler (providing stepwise solutions and intermediate results). This approach aimed to examine how digital tools can enhance understanding and application of mathematical concepts like double integrals. In contrast, the second group engaged with identical exercises and assessments without the aid of digital resources, focusing on traditional learning methodologies. This comparative analysis seeks to assess the differential impact of digital tool integration on student performance, understanding, and retention of mathematical concepts. Statistical methods were employed to analyze the data, ensuring a rigorous examination of the effects of digital competences on educational outcomes.

Results of the study affirm the critical role of digital competences in educational advancement, underscoring their significance for individual and societal progression.

References:
[1] Paul's Online Math Notes. https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/
[2] Interactive Mathematics: https://app.intmath.com/
[3] Dicks, D., & Hahn, G. (2003). Doing Mathematics with Scientific WorkPlace® and Scientific Notebook®. Mackichan Software.

Keywords:

Digital Competencies, Learning Process Integration, Educational Technology, Critical Thinking and Information Literacy.