Debates and tutorials as learning tools for science students: An analysis on how to integrate in the curriculum resources from the virtual field

Abstract

We have used asynchronous communication tools from the Virtual Campus of the Universitat d'Alacant as a teaching complement to undergraduate introductory Physics courses. The study is based upon the design of virtual debates and the elaboration of databases of frequently asked questions extracted from on-line tutorial questions. The application of evaluation instruments (detailed debate analysis, polls, questionnaires, interviews) shows that the teaching experience has been positive: significant improvements in the academic scores of the students are found, their high-level communication skills have increased, and their attitude towards the subject has improved greatly. We also put forward also some ideas about how to enlarge and improve this teaching experience, which is a step forward towards the objective of incorporating the European Credit Transfer System in our teaching practice.