This study analyses students’ perceptions of how the collaborative construction of a project online facilitates the acquisition of digital competences. The authors (María Pérez-Mateo, Marc Romero and Teresa Romeu) examine the methodological approach, within the context of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia, UOC), of the subject: ICT Competences. This subject is conducted fully online at the UOC, and learners are required to engage in a collaborative project organized in 4 phases: Starting, Structuring, Developing, Concluding. Based on an evaluation research approach, quantitative and qualitative data from a survey have been triangulated. The conclusions reinforce the importance of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) processes, the need to put forward pedagogical proposals for the acquisition of both digital and collaborative competences and the relevant role of the teacher in this process.

1. Collaborative Construction of a
Project as a Methodology to Acquire
Digital Competences
Romero, M. & Romeu, T. Comunicar, nº 42. http://dx.doi.org/10.3916/C42-2014-01
UOC Research Showcase, February 11 2015, Barcelona
1

2. 2
1. Research scenario
IMPACT:
• average of 5,500 students per year
• 12 degrees
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences
Applied research
SGR1174
Presentation
&
disseminatio
n of
information
Process and
preparation
of
information
Team
work
Team
work
Team
work
Communication Planification
Digital attitude
Search &
select
information
ICT

3. 3
2. Theoretical Framework
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences
Online
Collaboration
Digital
competence
Social
Media
PBL
2001
2002
2006
2013

4. 4
3. Research design
Phase 1:
Questionnaire
(Sample 720)
Implementation
(3183 students)
Phase 2:
Questionnaire
(Sample 1167)
+
Institutional survey
Evaluative research: mixed method
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences

5. 5
4. Results and discussion
Not very useful Useful Very useful Not very useful Useful Very useful
2009/10 Course 2011/12 Course
48
330 341
21
186
934
PBL’s improving has increased the acquisition of digital competences
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences

6. 6
4. Results and discussion (II)
Grade of acquisition of digital competences
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Search and find
information
online
Process and
prepare the
digital
information
Present and
disseminate the
digital
information
Acquire
communication
strategies
online
Master the
basic functions
of digital
technology
Plan and
manage a
virtual project
Acquire a civic
digital attitude
Acquire
collaboration
skills online
14
199
506
10
248
461
12
254
453
16
202
501
13
203
442
13
237
469
8
93
618
19
146
554
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences

7. • A methodological proposal which integrates collaborative learning and the use of ICT
has been developed.
• 75% of students have a positive perception with respect to the acquisition of digital
competences
• Teacher intervention has been identified as a key element to reinforce the process of the
acquisition of competences.
• Lines of future work are:
• Validate the proposal of the current digital competences of the subject
• Carry out a longitudinal study of cases with students that have passed the subject
• Determine the level of the transfer of digital competences at the end of the degree;
• Boost the reuse of student projects in the direction of open education; etc.
7
5. Conclusions and prospects
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences

8. 8
Thanks for you attention
Collaborative Construction of a Project as a Methodology to Acquire Digital
Competences
mromerocar@uoc.edu
@mromerocar
tromeu@uoc.edu
@tromeu