Abstract:

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ITCs), especially at the university level, brings new challenges and opportunities in the methods and learning processes [1,2]. We present our experience using ITCs for lessons in new technology areas such as nanotechnology or Materials Engineering. In Particular we used a selection of ITC, including projection of different slides with technical and scientific information, a three-dimensional audiovisual presentation describing the manipulation and visualization of nanotechnological structures and a virtual platform containing examples and explanatory videos.

The educational experience was a workshop whose audience was Teachers and Researchers who teach on subjects related to technological areas. The workshop was evaluated through a system of anonymous surveys.

The results of the survey confirm that the combination of these new ITCs together with other more common as cooperative learning and guided step by step helps retain knowledge and increase motivation. Furthermore, the majority of the audience expressed their intention to use the same tools in the next academic year. This last point validates our learning experience for the positive opinion on the educational experience and because it shows how effective is our methodology in transmitting knowledge since after the completion of the workshop many of the attendees feel able to use the 3D visualization software in their classes.

References:
[1] Flecknoe, M. (2002).“How can ICT help us to improve education? “Innovations in Education & Teaching International, Vol. 39, No. 4, Pp; 271-280
[2] Trucano, Michael. 2005. Knowledge Maps: ICTs in Education. Washington, DC: infoDev / World Bank.

Keywords:

Learning technology, ICT, simulated experiments, 3D visualization.