Informal Learning Techniques To Enhance The Specific Competency Acquisition During The First Courses Of Technical Degrees

With the introduction of the European Higher Education Space (EHES) and the finalization of the Bologna process, the students' profile in the first courses of technical degrees has changed radically. In this new context, traditional formal learning methodologies based on mathematical theories and abstract reasoning tend to fail as the most appropriate teaching technique to work on technical competencies such as programming. Nevertheless, the native digital abilities of current inhabitants of developed countries make informal techniques a good option to complement this traditional learning. During the second term of the year 2016/17, in the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, a pilot experience has been conducted. Contents consisting of microcontroller programming were restructured to include auto-guided practices developed into a learning environment where a microcontroller (Arduino) simulator was hosted. Results showed students in the pilot group felt more motivated and the average competency acquisition improved in respect to traditional groups.