Isabel Novo-Corti

E-learning and face to face mixed methodology: Evaluating effectiveness of e-learning and perceived satisfaction for a microeconomic course using the Moodle platform

The use of Information and Communication Technologies in higher education has proved to be very effective in different educational environments. A less explored area is their application for evaluation on-line, since it is a different process, with specific components. This work describes a methodology that combines the assessment with multiple choice tests through the virtual environment Moodle and the evaluation by using traditional classroom exams. The proposed mixed methodology ELFF (E-Learning and Face to Face) was implemented during the academic year 2010-2011 in the subject Microeconomics: Markets and Competition in the European Union of the double degree in Law and in Business Administration and Management, to assess complementary aspects of the knowledge acquired. The obtained results show that it clearly promotes the participation of students, increases their motivation and improves their competence and so, their performance in terms of qualifications.

Breaking the walls of social exclusion of women rural by means of ICTs: The case of 'digital divides' in Galician

This paper examines the digital divides for women in rural areas within the Information Society, referring particularly to the Galician experience (Autonomous Region in the North West of Spain). In order to explore the barriers to social and labor exclusion it was elaborated a survey relating with the use and impact of ITC in social and labor experiences of rural women. The results showed that rural women are aware of the key role played for ITC on their way to achieve the participation on decision making process as well as in social life and labor. The main barriers to the Internet penetration in women social life were employment, education and income. From an individual point of view, the existence of non-users was explained by a combination of access problems, lack of ICT skills or rather negative attitudes towards ITC. Finally, a bunch of policy recommendations is proposed focus on providing better Internet access in rural areas and to sensitize the population, particularly the oldest, about the importance of gender equality in access to technology in order to avoid digital barriers for rural women and reduce social exclusion of this group.

Perceived quality in higher education: an empirical study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address two issues. First research goal is about analyzing differences in perceived quality in higher education (HE) between a private and a public university centre. Second, the research aims to analyze which are the key dimensions in perceived quality in HE from the students’ standpoint. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis based on a modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to respond to the objectives put forward. Then, a mean comparison and covariance structure analysis approach was carried out to test the differences in perceived quality between the students from both centres, as well as the dimensions with higher influence in perceived quality. Findings – The results suggest that tangibility and empathy dimensions are the most influent variables on perceived quality in HE. Furthermore, some relevant significant differences were found between the public and the private centre. Research limitations/implications – The results give an opportunity to HE instit...

Do studies level and age matter in learning and social relationship in the assessment of web 3.0? A case study for 'digital natives' in Spain

In the recent years, a growing body of research calls into question the homogeneity of digital natives in the knowledge and use of the web. This paper studies the assessment of the current web 3.0 by youth in terms of social networks and the Internet reliability using a model based on univariate and multivariate analysis with structural equations. A sample of 152 young people was interviewed in Spain between August and September 2012 and divided into different subsamples: a sample of Higher Education Students (HES) and a mixed group of young people (MGS) used as the control group. A double analysis is presented using both statistical-descriptive and a comparison between means between the two groups and then a structural equation multivariate analysis is implemented to complete the analysis. This paper concludes that whilst there are strong age and level of education related variations between both samples in the assessment of web 3.0. In particular, higher education students increase the assessment of the web 3.0, not only for purposes of social relationship and friendship but as an important role of knowledge and learning, whether formal or informal and they are able to better harness the Internet resources and social networks, combining both academic and social uses.

Sustainability and the Spanish port system. Analysis of the relationship between economic and environmental indicators

Research into the methodological development of alternative systems of sustainability measures is recent. In understanding sustainable development in a multi-dimensional sense, one of the most significant advances was the construction of Synthetic Indexes, applicable to different spatial spheres or to organisations, businesses, institutions, etc. The Spanish port system of general interest comprises 46 ports integrated in 28 Port Authorities, which in 2014 moved 482,000,000t of goods and more than 28 million passengers. This gives an idea of its importance for the Spanish economy. Using a derivation of the procedure used to calculate the Port Sustainability Synthetic Index, in this research the analysis of the relationship that exists between the findings obtained for the economic and environmental dimensions is used. This enables the existence of links between ports and economic and environmental indicators for a sample of 16 Port Authorities of Spain to be verified.

Public policies based on social networks for the introduction of technology at home

Differences in the impact of ICT in households are analyzed.Specific index have been designed based on the ICT Development Index (IDI).The regions are grouped through cluster analysis based on previous indices.The results indicate a strong polarization in the development of ICT.Mediterranean and Northeast areas are better positioned. The promotion of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) among the population has been shown as an important matter of public policy to avoid the digital divide. In this paper differences in the impact of ICT in households are analyzed, and main demographic characteristics are considered. Based on the ICT Development Index (IDI), proposed by the United Nations, a regional index (RIDI) is developed to evaluate the comparative impact on different Spanish regions. Subsequently, the regions are grouped through cluster analysis, based on indices measuring their ICT development. Household characteristics were examined by calculating a discriminate regional Index (DIRIDI). It is composed of highly disaggregated indicators concerning socio-demographic characteristics of households and municipalities, and only those which have shown to be different between regions have been selected. The results indicate a strong polarization in the development of ICT, favorable to Mediterranean and Northeast areas, for both indices calculated. The differential profiles of households point to household size and municipality as well as the age of household members. It highlights the usefulness of designing general policies for particular types of homes, combined with different regional policies, taking into account the benefits of the social networks and collaborative learning.

Sentiment Analysis to Evaluate Teaching Performance

The aim of this work is to review a specific learning analytics method-sentiment analysis-in the field of Higher Education, showing how it is employed to monitor student satisfaction on different platforms, and to propose an architecture of Sentiment Analysis for Higher Education purposes, which trace and unify what emerges from the literature review. First, a literature review is carried out, which proves the widespread and increasing interest of the communities, of both scholars and practitioners, in the use of sentiment analysis in the field of Higher Education. The analysis, focused on three different e-learning domains, identifies weaknesses and gaps, and in particular the lack of a unifying approach which is able to deal with the different domains. Secondly, a prototype architecture-LADEL Learning Analytics Dashboard for E-Learning-is introduced, which is able to deal with the different e-learning domains. Some preliminary experiments are carried out, highlighting some limitations and open issues, as stimulus to continue the development of the platform.

Sustainable development of urban slum areas in northwestern Spain

Purpose – The persistence of shanty towns in cities is a major public issue due to the situation of poverty and abandonment of its inhabitants. Despite public authorities are concerned about this serious issue, they often fail to address suitably the problem due to their short-term goals. The purpose of this paper is to assess the public policies and green economy projects to improve the quality of life of people living in shanty towns in northwest Spain from the point of view of sustainable development and the interaction between social, economic and environmental areas. Design/methodology/approach – A systemic causal diagram is proposed for the empirical analysis. It has been contrasted through the study of the various actions undertaken in some shanty towns in Spain. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to complement this analysis. Findings – As a result, the study shows that the actions should not only be limited to providing access to adequate housing, but should also require more extensive cros...

Walking From Imprisonment Towards True Social Integration: Getting a Job as a Key Factor

Employment is one of the most effective mechanisms for inclusion, especially for groups who have a high risk of social exclusion such as the inmate population. This study analyzes data collected from in-depth interviews with 22 prisoners in an intermediate position (between prison and full freedom, classified as third grade) in two social integration centers and two prisons in Galicia, an autonomous community in northern Spain. The results show that the availability of a strong social and family network is a key factor in obtaining employment after prison; without this network, self-employment is a good choice.

Assessment of port sustainability through synthetic indexes. Application to the Spanish case

In general, Synthetic Indexes of sustainability have been applied to specific countries and regions. With some variations, the ones considered simple, such as the case of the Ecological Footprint (EF), have been applied to port areas. The same has not happened with those of a multidimensional nature (Global Synthetics) that still have a minimal and partial presence in the analysis of port sustainability. Understanding that this type of index represents an interesting and novel avenue of research applied to port systems, this contribution analyses and ranks a sample of 16 Spanish Port Authorities that group 23 ports of general interest using a Global Synthetic Index of Sustainability (developed using the four dimensions of sustainable development: economic, institutional, environmental and social).