Abstract:

This paper presents a system to support active learning in class. The system consists of small computers that are used by teacher and students and a set of applications. The use of computers in the classroom involves some changes such as increased access to information and it enables real-time distribution of content between students and teacher.

To implement this type of systems, classrooms should have personal computing devices that connect to the teacher's computer using a wireless network. Likewise, there must be a projector to display the most interesting information in the development of the class. The student may bring their own laptops to class or may the class have this equipment installed.

The goal is to use this infrastructure as a teaching platform that encourages interaction and feedback mechanisms between teacher and students in learning web applications, but its use can be extended to other subjects. Specifically, it aims to:
• Increase student participation.
• Provide real-time feedback to the teacher.
• Integrate student materials in class discussion.

To achieve these objectives, various systems have been studied by analyzing their performance and use. The selected system was Classroom Presenter. The motivations are:
• This is a system in a state of mature development.
• It allows connection between the teacher and students in the class (using a local area network) and also, it enables the connection between them using remote networks. This quality enables it to face long distance learning: students can be connected at other locations outside the classroom through ADSL connections, etc.
• It allows you to write on digital slides, allowing their distribution among teachers and students. You can establish a feedback process: the teacher can distribute the slides to students with the comments that are generated in the class and students can send their own written comments on the slides.
• From the point above, an information flow in both directions can be created, allowing a mechanism for introducing active learning in the classroom, where additional feedback channels are generated in the development of the class.
• It is able to integrate digital writing and electronic slides, making it ideal for use in presentations.
• The set of applications of Classroom Presenter runs on Tablet PCs. This device allows us to make handwriting, take notes and draw freehand on the screen. Its size and maneuverability makes it a useful element in a classroom. Due to its size, can be easily located on a bench or table of the student without the need for an adaptation of the furniture.

Keywords:

Teaching platform, Active Learning, Cooperative Learning.