Strengthening mathematical skills through MOOCs: a case study

Abstract

[EN] Recently there has been a huge development in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) with the aim to ease and complement the learning process, especially at university level. In this context we presented four MOOCs entitled Basic Mathematics: Numbers and Terminology, Differentiability, Integrals and Algebra on the platforms UPV[X] and EdX, aiming to match the freshmen s level in mathematics at engineering grades. We have used these courses to reinforce theoretical knowledge during the first year of university and to promote them as an educational complement among the students showing more difficulties in mathematics. The implementation of these MOOCs as an element of the learning process has brought new methodological opportunities. The resources and tools offered make learning a more social and collaborative process as connect students with each other, allowing new methodologies focused on problem-solving techniques. In addition, although the MOOCs impose a sequence of contents, this is usually quite adaptable and contributes to the individualization of learning, allowing students to work at their own pace and in an environment of their choice. The procedure has been based on tracking students with lower academic performance or those showing mathematical gaps and offering them the opportunity to reinforce such knowledge through the use of specific MOOCs. The process has been done mainly online but with periodic meetings with the teachers to evaluate student progress. This methodology (based in a blended learning methodology) is intended to enhance the motivation and improve the performance of the students, avoiding dropouts. The results of the students joining these courses are presented versus the results from the students that did not participated.