Aplicación de un modelo de calidad para evaluar experiencias e-learning en el Espacio Europeo Universitario

Durante los últimos años, las comunidades universitarias han dedicado grandes esfuerzos para integrar nuevas tecnologías a fin de mejorar sus procesos de aprendizaje. En este sentido, la mayoría de las universidades europeas han incorporado plataformas de e-learning que sirven de apoyo y complementan el modelo clásico de enseñanza. Sin embargo, la utilización de estas plataformas no siempre es suficiente para mejorar los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Por este motivo, se hacen necesarios métodos de diseño y evaluación de procesos educativos basados en plataformas de e-learning que tratarán de garantizar los objetivos de aprendizaje fijados. Este trabajo está orientado a evaluar este tipo de experiencias y, más específicamente, a proporcionar un procedimiento que utilice un modelo de calidad y que sirva de guía en la evaluación de experiencias educativas apoyadas en plataformas de e-learning.Nowadays, Universities and other higher education institutions invest a lot of resources to integrate Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) in their learning processes. In particular, e-learning platforms have been incorporated to support the traditional campus-based activities. However, the application of these platforms is not enough to improve learning and teaching processes. Innovative methods are required to design and evaluate ICT enhanced learning experiences that contribute to change the traditional face-toface teaching in this context. This work is focused on evaluating this kind of experiences and more specifically, on providing procedures to guide their evaluation when e-learning platforms are used.Durant els últims anys, les comunitats universitàries han dedicat grans esforços a integrar noves tecnologies per millorar els seus processos d'aprenentatge. En aquest sentit, la majoria de les universitats europees han incorporat plataformes d'e-learning que serveixen de suport i complementen el model clàssic d'ensenyament. Tanmateix, la utilització d'aquestes plataformes no sempre és suficient per millorar els processos d'ensenyament i aprenentatge. Tanmateix, amb la utilització d'aquestes plataformes no sempre n'hi ha prou per millorar els processos d'ensenyament i aprenentatge. Per aquest motiu, es fan necessaris mètodes de disseny i avaluació de processos educatius basats en plataformes d'e-learning que tractaran de garantir els objectius d'aprenentatge fixats. Aquest treball està orientat a avaluar aquest tipus d'experiències i, més específicament, a proporcionar un procediment que utilitzi un model de qualitat i que serveixi de guia en l'avaluació d'experiències educatives basades en plataformes d'e-learning

E-learning como estrategia de internacionalización de la educación superior

Este trabajo plantea un estudio de la internacionalización de la Educación Superior desde el punto de vista de las Universidades y del e-learning como estrategia competitiva e introduce un procedimiento sistemático de análisis que pretende asistir a las instituciones de Educación Superior en la elaboración de sus planes estratégicos y tácticos en cuanto a la formación on-line se refiere, siempre con el objetivo de conseguir una posición y una ventaja competitivas sólidas y estables. Abstract This work analyzes Higher Education internationalization from the point of view of Universities and focusing at the use of e-learning as competitive strategy. It also introduces a systematic analysis process so that Higher Education Institution can use it to elaborate its strategic and tactical plans in relation with e-learning, always trying to reach both solid and stable competitive position and advantage

Numerical solutions of matrix differential models using higher-order matrix splines

The final publication is available at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00009-011-0159-zThis paper deals with the construction of approximate solution of first-order matrix linear differential equations using higher-order matrix splines. An estimation of the approximation error, an algorithm for its implementation and some illustrative examples are included. © 2011 Springer Basel AG.Defez Candel, E.; Hervás Jorge, A.; Ibáñez González, JJ.; Tung, MM. (2012). Numerical solutions of matrix differential models using higher-order matrix splines. Mediterranean Journal of Mathematics. 9(4):865-882. doi:10.1007/s00009-011-0159-zS86588294Al-Said E.A., Noor M.A.: Cubic splines method for a system of third-order boundary value problems. Appl. Math. Comput. 142, 195–204 (2003)Ascher U., Mattheij R., Russell R.: Numerical solutions of boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA (1988)Barnett S.: Matrices in Control Theory. Van Nostrand, Reinhold (1971)Blanes S., Casas F., Oteo J.A., Ros J.: Magnus and Fer expansion for matrix differential equations: the convergence problem. J. Phys. Appl. 31, 259–268 (1998)Boggs P.T.: The solution of nonlinear systems of equations by a-stable integration techniques. SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 8(4), 767–785 (1971)Defez E., Hervás A., Law A., Villanueva-Oller J., Villanueva R.: Matrixcubic splines for progressive transmission of images. J. Math. Imaging Vision 17(1), 41–53 (2002)Defez E., Soler L., Hervás A., Santamaría C.: Numerical solutions of matrix differential models using cubic matrix splines. Comput. Math. Appl. 50, 693–699 (2005)Defez E., Soler L., Hervás A., Tung M.M.: Numerical solutions of matrix differential models using cubic matrix splines II. Mathematical and Computer Modelling 46, 657–669 (2007)Mazzia F., Trigiante A.S., Trigiante A.S.: B-spline linear multistep methods and their conitinuous extensions. SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 44(5), 1954–1973 (2006)Faddeyev L.D.: The inverse problem in the quantum theory of scattering. J. Math. Physics 4(1), 72–104 (1963)Flett, T.M.: Differential Analysis. Cambridge University Press (1980)Golub G.H., Loan C.F.V.: Matrix Computations, second edn. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, USA (1989)Graham A.: Kronecker products and matrix calculus with applications. John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA (1981)Jódar L., Cortés J.C.: Rational matrix approximation with a priori error bounds for non-symmetric matrix riccati equations with analytic coefficients. IMA J. Numer. Anal. 18(4), 545–561 (1998)Jódar L., Cortés J.C., Morera J.L.: Construction and computation of variable coefficient sylvester differential problems. Computers Maths. Appl. 32(8), 41–50 (1996)Jódar, L., Ponsoda, E.: Continuous numerical solutions and error bounds for matrix differential equations. In: Int. Proc. First Int. Colloq. Num. Anal., pp. 73–88. VSP, Utrecht, The Netherlands (1993)Jódar L., Ponsoda E.: Non-autonomous riccati-type matrix differential equations: Existence interval, construction of continuous numerical solutions and error bounds. IMA J. Numer. Anal. 15(1), 61–74 (1995)Loscalzo F.R., Talbot T.D.: Spline function approximations for solutions of ordinary differential equations. SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 4(3), 433–445 (1967)Marzulli P.: Global error estimates for the standard parallel shooting method. J. Comput. Appl. Math. 34, 233–241 (1991)Micula G., Revnic A.: An implicit numerical spline method for systems for ode’s. Appl. Math. Comput. 111, 121–132 (2000)Reid, W.T.: Riccati Differential Equations. Academic Press (1972)Rektorys, K.: The method of discretization in time and partial differential equations. D. Reidel Pub. Co., Dordrecht (1982)Scott, M.: Invariant imbedding and its Applications to Ordinary Differential Equations. Addison-Wesley (1973

Questionnaire for the assessment of factors related to university degree choice in Spanish públic System: a psychometric study

Universities are interested in attracting students, but they do not usually have data relating to students' intentions. Furthermore, both general and subjective factors are taken into account by students when choosing a degree and a university. This paper presents a psychometric study of a questionnaire which aims to assess variables relating the aspects involved in the selection process and accessing the Spanish university system. This questionnaire considers six factors: Consideration of the University; Perceived Usefulness; Social Impact; Vocational Aspects; Influence of Surroundings and Geographic Location. The item analysis (discrimination index) reduced the questionnaire to 25 items, and the reliability and validity of this final questionnaire was analyzed using a sample of 1532 students from eight Spanish universities. The results showed that the reliability as internal consistency of the six factors was high; the construct validity showed a structure of six first order factors clustered in two second order factors and finally, there was high discriminant validity between groups defined by variables such as gender or academic area. Applying predictive analytics to the results of this questionnaire will then enable specific recruiting policies to be applied, which target the type of students that universities are looking for, while reducing costs

Psychometric study of a questionnaire for the assessment of factors associated with the choice of degrees and universities in the Spanish public system

© ACM 2013. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here for your personal use. Not for redistribution. The definitive Version of Record was published in TEEM '13 Proceedings of the First International Conference on Technological Ecosystem for Enhancing Multiculturality. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2536536.2536577Many different factors are taken into account by students when choosing a degree and University. Some of these are general considerations, such as the quality of the degree course, ratio of available places and places in the degree course chosen as first choice, cut-off mark, etc. Others are subjective factors, such as friends studying the same degree or studying in the same university, etc. Knowledge of these factors and the importance given to them by students can provide a competitive advantage when carrying out activities aimed at advertising and attracting students. This paper presents a psychometric study of a questionnaire that has been developed to assess variables relating to social and personal aspects involved in the selection process and accessing the Spanish public university system. The questionnaire was evaluated by means of a pilot test, the results of which were used to generate a final scale, which was administered to a total of 1532 students from eight Spanish universities. These students can be divided into six major areas of training and courses from 2009-10 up to 2012-2013. All the students had recently graduated from high school and were in their first year at the university. The results showed that the reliability of the both the six factors taken into consideration (Consideration of the University; Perceived Utility; Social Impact; Vocational Aspects; Influence of Surroundings and Geographic Location) and an adjustment of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis used to estimate construct validity was high. Likewise, the results show high discrimination validity between groups defined by relevant variables such as gender or academic area of the university studies.This work forms part of the project entitled "A Longitudinal Model Impact Assessment of Variables Involved in selecting Studies and University. Academic achievement in high school, and university entrance exam, as predictors of initial performance at University ", financed by the ICE at the University of Barcelona in the Redice 2012, with Code Number 1641-01. The translation of this paper was funded by the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.Hervás Jorge, A.; Guàrdia I Olmos, J.; Peró, M.; Soriano Jiménez, PP.; Capilla Lladró, R. (2013). Psychometric study of a questionnaire for the assessment of factors associated with the choice of degrees and universities in the Spanish public system. ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/2536536.2536577

Análisis de la relación entre el rendimiento académico y la nota de acceso para alumnos de primer curso en titulaciones técnicas

Analizar el rendimiento académico de los alumnos de una titulación universitaria es un proceso recurrente para los responsables académicos, especialmente con alumnos nuevos de primer curso. Los nuevos estudios de grado en el sistema universitario español incorporan el compromiso de la titulación en el cumplimiento de mínimos en algunos indicadores como tiempo de graduación, tasa de abandono y de eficiencia. Esto otorga al análisis del rendimiento académico una relevancia especial. Por otra parte se ha venido observando en los últimos años variaciones significativas en la demanda de las titulaciones, especialmente en las titulaciones técnicas, lo que se refleja en las variaciones de la nota de acceso y en el referente más visible, la nota de corte de la titulación. Estas variaciones son especialmente significativas en titulaciones de la rama TIC o del área agronómica. En este trabajo se realiza un estudio de la relación entre el rendimiento académico y la nota con la que accedieron los alumnos nuevos en primer curso de algunas titulaciones técnicas, extendiéndose a titulaciones de otras áreas. Se propone una clasificación de las titulaciones en función de la evolución temporal del rendimiento académico y de la demanda en primera opción: titulaciones exitosas, titulaciones en crisis, titulaciones en expansión y titulaciones amenazadas. Se analizarán casos tanto de titulaciones exitosas como de titulaciones en crisis. Los resultados muestran un efecto de relación clara y estadísticamente significativa entre el rendimiento y la nota de acceso, lo que pone de manifiesto un aumento de variabilidad en el rendimiento de los estudiantes relacionado con la variación de las notas de acceso, dando lugar a modelos de predicción cuyo estudio se desarrollará en posteriores trabajos. El método de análisis propuesto y los modelos que se desarrollan a partir de él, puede ayudar a los responsables universitarios en la toma de sus decisiones.Hervás Jorge, A.; Soriano Jiménez, PP.; Capilla Lladró, R. (2017). Análisis de la relación entre el rendimiento académico y la nota de acceso para alumnos de primer curso en titulaciones técnicas. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/8112

Factores asociados con la decisión de cursar estudios universitarios de Psicología. Una aproximación mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales

Students take into account different factors in their choice of career and college. Some more global as the quality of the degree (sometimes estimated from the cut-off marks, etc.) and other more subjective (my friends also go to this degree). This paper presents the first multivariate model that accounts for the weight of the different variables and factors linked to the decision literature studies and college students do and applied for specific university degree in Psychology. These aspects have been studied in a sample of 872 psychology students of 2010-2011 course. All of them were feshmen and had chosen psychology as first choice. A Structural Equation Model was proposed as statistical approach. The fit indices GFI, AGFI, NFI, NNFI and CFI show values higher than 0.9 and value of RMSM was .003, indicating good model fit. It seems that the elements of the qualification (cut marks, availability, demands in first option) outweigh social and personal factors (recommendations from friends or parents, for example) and, therefore, the election system is based more in circumstantial aspects than in the variables related with the studen

One month in advance prediction of air temperature from Reanalysis data with eXplainable Artificial Intelligence techniques

In this paper we have tackled the problem of long-term air temperature prediction with eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) models. Specifically, we have evaluated the performance of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architecture with sigmoidal neurons in the hidden layer, trained by means of an evolutionary algorithm (Evolutionary ANNs, EANNs). This XAI model architecture (XAI-EANN) has been applied to the long-term air temperature prediction at different sub-regions of the South of the Iberian Peninsula. In this case, the average August air temperature has been predicted from ERA5 Reanalysis data variables, obtaining good predictions skills and explainable models in terms of the input climatological variables considered. A cluster analysis has been first carried out in terms of the average air temperature in the zone, in such a way that a number of sub-regions with different air temperature behaviour have been defined. The proposed XAI-EANN model architecture has been applied to each of the defined sub-regions, in order to find significant differences among them, which can be explained with the XAI-EANN models obtained. Finally, a comprehensive comparison against some state-of-the-art techniques has also been carried out, concluding that there are statistically significant differences in terms of accuracy in favour of the proposed XAI-EANN model, which also benefits from being an XAI model

Factors related with the university degree selection in spanish public university system. An structural equation model analysis

Students take into account different factors in their choice of university studies and college. In this work we present a partial multivariate model that takes into account the weight of the different variables linked to this decision. We have studied three samples (n=372 from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide; n=2244 from the Universitat Politècnica de València, and n=543 from the Universitat de Barcelona) from several degrees in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 academic years. The global effect shows that the structural model fits reasonably well in the three universities studied. However, there are different intensity effects, in the case of UPV and UB, they show higher intensity than in UPO. This makes us think that in most urban universities with a clear and regular offer of degrees, personal and social factors are more important than in the case of universities (UPO) with an offer and dimension not yet completely defined.Guardia Olmos, J.; Peró Cebollero, M.; Hervás Jorge, A.; Capilla Lladró, R.; Soriano Jiménez, PP. (2013). Factors related with the university degree selection in spanish public university system. An structural equation model analysis. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/3012

Factors related to the selection of Psychology university studies. An approach by structural equation models

[ES] Son diversos, los factores que los alumnos a punto de entrar en la universidad tienen en cuenta en su elección de carrera y universidad, algunos de carácter más global como la calidad de la titulación (a veces estimada a partir de la nota de corte, etc.) y otros factores más subjetivos (mis amigos también van a cursar esta titulación). En este trabajo se presenta un primer modelo multivariado que da cuenta del peso de las diversas variables y factores que la literatura vincula a la decisión de estudios y universidad que hacen los estudiantes y aplicado al caso concreto de la titulación universitaria de Psicología. Estos aspectos se han estudiado en una muestra de 872 estudiantes de Psicología del curso académico 2010-2011, todos ellos estudiantes de nuevo ingreso procedentes de bachillerato que habían seleccionado Psicología como primera opción y planteando, para una aproximación estadística, un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales. Los índices de ajuste GFI, AGFI, NFI, NNFI y CFI del modelo propuesto presentan valores superiores a .09 y valores de RMSM de .003, lo que indica el buen ajuste del modelo. Parece que los elementos propios de la titulación (notas de corte, plazas disponibles, demandas en primera opción) pesan más que factores sociales o personales (recomendaciones de amigos o familiares, por ejemplo) y, por tanto, el sistema de elección se fundamenta más en aspectos circunstanciales que en las variables más cercanas al estudiante[EN] Students take into account different factors in their choice of career and college. Some more global as the quality of the degree (sometimes estimated from the cut-off marks, etc.) and other more subjective (my friends also go to this degree). This paper presents the first multivariate model that accounts for the weight of the different variables and factors linked to the decision literature studies and college students do and applied for specific university degree in Psychology. These aspects have been studied in a sample of 872 psychology students of 2010-2011 course. All of them were feshmen and had chosen psychology as first choice. A Structural Equation Model was proposed as statistical approach. The fit indices GFI, AGFI, NFI, NNFI and CFI show values higher than 0.9 and value of RMSM was .003, indicating good model fit. It seems that the elements of the qualification (cut marks, availability, demands in first option) outweigh social and personal factors (recommendations from friends or parents, for example) and, therefore, the election system is based more in circumstantial aspects than in the variables related with the studentEste trabajo es parte del proyecto “Un Modelo Multivariado para la Evaluación del impacto de las variables implicadas en la decisión de los estudiantes en la selección de Universidad”, financiado por el ICE de la Universitat de Barcelona en la convocatoria REDICE 2010, con el códido 1002-17.Guardia Olmos, J.; Peró Cebollero, M.; Hervás Jorge, A.; Capilla Lladró, R.; Soriano Jiménez, PP.; Porras Yañez, M. (2012). Factores asociados con la decisión de cursar estudios universitarios de Psicología. Una aproximación mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Anuario de Psicología. 42(1):87-104. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/27816S8710442