Abstract:

Econometric is generally a non-very attractive subject for students, and such is the impression we have too at ESIC Business and Marketing School. Students are not very motivated to study and traditionally, these courses are criticized for being overly theoretical, uncreative, non-innovative and far from the real world. For these reasons students may not acquire the knowledge and skills they should, which we consider very relevant in the marketing field. To improve the previous situation, we are finding very relevant the use of innovative learning methods and techniques that help students to improve their learning outcomes and scoring with a learning by doing methodology, using digital interactive tools as labs educators. In our project, we have adopted the use of a software named My Econ Lab, delivered by Pearson. This tool, which offers a complete package of online homework, tutorial, assessment options and e-book, promotes a personalized blended learning. Our goals by assigning tasks through My Lab are to teach new concepts, provide homework and practice opportunities, help students to assess their own understanding of the course material and track their progress. Furthermore, this tool allows identify students who are at high risk of failing and give the teacher free time develop other interesting activities in class time. In this paper we show the results obtained by the of application of My Econ Lab in two groups of students of 5th degree of Marketing. The sample used is small, so we made the research as an experiment in the use of new educational techniques through digital interactive programs to analyze the possible extension of it.

Keywords:

Blended Learning, virtual learning, Technology-Enhanced Learning, online labs, virtual labs, advanced classroom technology, computer software on education.