WHEN IS PADLET REVEALED AS A FRUITFUL TOOL IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION?

Abstract

The process of learning Mathematics in Engineering courses has been extensively studied, particularly regarding the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools and digital platforms (Babo, L. et al., 2023). However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional teaching methods, turning visible the need for adaptations and raising questions about the effectiveness of ICT tools and the decline of face- to-face group work. The need for innovative and stimulating teaching practices that motivate and engage students in the learning process became more evident during this time.

Collaborative learning (CL) has been proposed as a solution, with the Padlet platform (https://padlet.com/) being a popular tool for facilitating such interactions.

To address these challenges, the authors of this study propose the use of collaborative learning platforms in two engineering subjects: Statistical Methods in Informatics Engineering and Mathematical Analysis I. A total of 533 Informatics Engineering students, many of whom are working students, and 20 Mechanical Engineering students were divided into small groups to foster teamwork and cooperation. The aim was to create a virtual space for interaction and collaboration among students.

The Padlet platform was chosen as a facilitator for collaboration and engagement and students were encouraged to investigate class topics using various resources, such as bibliographical references, and to deepen their understanding through creative means. Padlet enabled students to share their exercise solutions, provide feedback on their peers' work, and access all the contributions made by their classmates.

The study evaluates the impact of this collaborative learning approach, considering factors such as student participation, collaboration with peers, and overall performance in the course. The authors also explore when and why these activities may or may not be effective, shedding light on the potential causes and implications.