Video-sharing educational tool applied to the teaching in renewable energy subjects

• Published in: Computers and education 2014-04, Vol.73, p.160-177
• Main Authors: Torres-Ramírez, M., García-Domingo, B., Aguilera, J., de la Casa, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer-mediated communication; Cooperative/collaborative learning; Distance education and telelearning; Improving classroom teaching; Learning communities
• ISSN: 0360-1315; 1873-782X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2013.12.014

The impact and evaluation of an educational tool “Renewable Energy Video sharing”, based on videocast techniques is presented in this paper. This tool arose from a learning innovation project developed in the Electronics and Automation Engineering Department at the University of Jaén. This experience consists of the elaboration of multimedia materials showing different ways of obtaining thermal energy and electricity from renewable resources as well as the equipment and the technology implicated in these process. Thus a video channel, implemented in YouTube™ platform, and an online space were implemented where these multimedia materials can be found and played, bringing technological reality closer to the final user – to the students in this specific case – in an easy, interactive and free way from any device with an internet connection. This learning tool was applied and used as a support in two ambits, face-to-face and non face-to-face education, in two different educational levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education. Three subjects in the field of photovoltaic solar energy experienced the e-learning tool, obtaining a high degree of general satisfaction among students. After analyzing the impact of the implemented tool through personal final questionnaires among students, an improvement of the understanding of the theoretic concepts previously studied as well as the facility of access to the contents being the most appreciated benefits. [Display omitted] •Educational tool based on multimedia material created applying videocast techniques.•Online content exposing the technology used to obtain energy from renewable sources.•A YouTube video channel and an online space to host and play the multimedia material.•Facebook and Twitter to broadcast the videos updating, getting the users feedback.•Great improvement of the understanding of the theoretic concepts previously studied.