Micaela Esteves

Contextualization of programming learning: A virtual environment study

In this paper, it is presented a study concerning about the use of the three-dimensional virtual world Second Life (SL) to visualize and contextualize the learning of computer programming. SL allows students to use avatars to create 3D objects and program their behaviours, process data, and interact with external servers, using Linden Scripting Language (LSL), a language with C-like syntax and a state machine. Scripts can execute concurrently, and several students can simultaneously work over the same object and/or script. Through action research, we explore and analyse the potential of SL for teaching-learning introductory computer programming in computer science undergraduate courses. We believe this virtual environment has potential to help students, since it presents an immediately visual feedback of the program execution.

Y.S.Y.D. - You Stay You Demand: User-centered design approach for mobile hospitality application

The evolution and widespread use of mobile technologies has boosted the hotel industry to develop applications for these devices. Several tourism applications and services for mobile devices have been developed in recent times. However, many of these services are not oriented for hotel guest, rather than these services are more focused on delivering information instead of targeting the specific needs of guests. Based on a study carried out in Portugal by the researchers, were found that the most mobile hotel applications and websites are focused on dreaming, planning and booking stages rather than in experiencing and sharing. Some of these mobile applications are reproduction of websites, which do not bring added value to the guests during their stay. Thus, it was developed the mobile hotel application, You Stay You Demand (Y.S.Y.D.), with a User-Centered Design approach that makes easier the communication between guests and hotel staff for guest satisfaction. During the study were integrated the Nielsens heuristic evaluation with user testing to assess the usability which created a user-centered interface.

The Use of New Learning Technologies in Higher Education Classroom: A Case Study

We have conducted a study with higher level education students, in lecture classes of three Undergraduate Courses and one Professional Higher Technical Course that involved six different subjects with a total of 324 students. In this research the use of Game-Based Learning platform was analysed in order to encourage the students’ participation, increasing motivation and keeping them motivated and committed during lessons, therefore, increasing their learning skills.

Collaborative Learning Environment in Higher Education: A Case Study.

This article seeks to present a case study regarding collaborative learning (CL) in a higher education environment. CL is an approach of teaching and learning where students at a various performance levels work together in small groups with the aim to solve a problem. With CL students developing not only higher-level thinking skills, but also enhancing the soft skills, such as oral communication, social interaction, among others. Currently, the labour market demands professionals with transversal abilities. In this context, the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria changed the curriculum of Web and Multimedia Development (DWM) technological course to create a collaborative learning environment. The process stated on the 2017/2018 scholar year. The results show that students working in a collaborative environment are more motivated and committed. Furthermore, the importance of real projects and the contact with clients were highlighted during the study.

A Technological Proposal Using Virtual Worlds to Support Entrepreneurship Education for Primary School Children

The importance of entrepreneurship education from elementary school through college is now recognized as an important aspect of children’s education. At the level of basic education, the development of entrepreneurial activities using Information and Communication Technologies, specifically three-dimensional virtual worlds, is seen as an area with potential for exploration.

Controlling Diabetes with a Mobile Application: Diabetes Friend

Researchers have recognized that mobile applications have a great potential to support diabetes self-management. However, the majority of the mobile applications available presents some limitations and are not suitable for patient’s needs. Usability is one of the most pointed problems and consequently the over-age of diabetes application usage is low.

A Cloud Computing Solution for Digital Marketing: A Case Study for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Nowadays marketing social media has been recognized as a powerful media to promote businesses, communicate and create relations with the customers. However, the management of social media is time consuming and the use of proper systems is crucial for the business’s success.