Autonomous student learning supported by multimedia resources in the context of a Degree in Computer Engineering: experiences with active teaching methodologies

The course Introduction to Computer Networks from the University of Cantabria has a low success, with complaints about the lack of sufficient practical classes that reinforce the theoretical contents. An innovation project has been developed to develop a set of multimedia materials that replace some master classes and increase the amount of practical sessions, following a flipped classroom model. Specifically, six videos have been developed, each of them accompanied by a self-learning activity, and an associated practical session. Such sessions followed approximately a Problem-Based Learning approach. The impact of the project has been evaluated, on the motivation, withdrawal and academic results. The response of the students is positive, with a slightly increase in the classroom attendance. Students indicate that they prefer this type of learning. However, monitoring tools show that activity attendance is significantly lower than expected. Academic results show a rate of student withdrawal similar to previous years, but a slightly higher rate of students passing the course. Overall, the results of the project is very positive, given the increased student motivation, and a similar approach will be considered in forthcoming courses.