Abstract:

Currently the use of mobile applications and technology is a fundamental part of our life. Frequently, university students use new technologies, and these applications can have a key role in the teaching and learning process so, its teaching potential has to be taken into account. Commonly, the use of devices such as smartphones and tablets are widespread in the youth and the university community. This development reflects not only the growing use of these devices in the academic environment, but also that technological applications are increasingly incorporated in the classroom, which can be used for professors with academic purposes. It is really important to use the necessary methodology to make the subjects attractive for students, favoring the learning process. Thus, the use of mobile devices or applications in the classroom does not have to be negative or distractive, considering that they are fundamental parts of students' lives.

Taking into account the evolution and advances that the teaching process requires, the AANDA mobile app has been developed. AANDA is a management application for professionals in higher education, as well as an organizational incentive for the study aimed at grade and postgraduate students. It allows the teacher and student share relevant information of the subject and perform various practices that are usually done on a computer from a mobile device.

AANDA allows teachers to share materials, lessons, communication and services with students in a centralized manner, in a single application, accessible from mobile devices or web. This mobile application will be available for download from the AANDA project page or from the different App Stores of each server or platform (Android and iOS systems). The students can not directly register from the App. They will receive a username and password from the instructor (professors), because the students have to be registered in the Human and Cell Physiology subject. The instructor can activate preconfigured programming activities to be made during or after class. These on-line activities will serve as support or complement that favors the teaching process for the students. The app will provide also a brief summary of each lesson. In addition, AANDA also contains a virtual campus that allows students to communicate by instant messaging, allowing the resolution of doubts and sharing information related to the subject.

This paper aims to show how the interface, design, functionality, methodology and use of mobile technology, specifically the AANDA app in a department of physiology subjects of the Faculty of Pharmacy, at the University of Granada.

Keywords:

Apps, teaching innovation, multimedia resources, learning, information and communication technologies (ICT), mobile learning.