Due to the development of Internet applications, semi-open learning is increasingly being introduced into traditional face-to-face learning and teaching. In several engineering degrees many subjects are developed using a project based learning paradigm and therefore the introduction of semi-open elements seems quite natural for these subjects; it is not the case, however, of the fundamental programming subjects which are still developed using a traditional blackboard approach and have a clear lack of experience in introducing both project-based learning and semi-open learning and teaching approach. In this work we bring the two year experience gained during the innovative teaching project “Semi-open learning through sharing of information and knowledge in a virtual environment”1 at the Industrial School of Terrassa, Polytechnic University of Catalonia. The aim of the project was to develop and evaluate a methodology that would allow the introduction of semi-open learning into fundamental programming subjects using web applications. We will show here the main aspects of such methodology as well as issues we were faced to during its implementation and evaluation in a real learning/teaching environment. Our approach was implemented using the Basic Support for Collaborative Work (BSCW) though it is independent of the web application used. An additional feature of the BSCW system we have explored is the log file information on students’ actions kept by the BSCW server. We use an ad hoc software that processes the log files and stores the information in a database, which can be then used for statistical analysis. The information resulting from log files analysis is a very helpful tool for the teachers to monitor the students’ activity during the course development and intervene whenever necessary, for instance, to detect low activity students and avoid students’ abandonment. We will discuss the benefits of our approach in improving the overall learning outcome of the students and also its drawbacks especially as regards the additional amount of work it could imply for the teachers.

Peer Reviewed