Discrete Algorithms - Programming and Collaborative Work: An Experience From the Virtual Classroom Environment

Abstract

Collaborative learning understands learning as a social process of knowledge construction that goes beyond the individual instance of analysis, conceptualization and appropriation. Discrete Mathematics and Cryptography are two subjects of careers with a systemic and computational profile suitable for the early introduction of programming. With the aim of stimulating student participation and the development of transversal competencies, such as the ability to face a problem, teamwork, programming in a new language, improving oral communication; and in accordance with the line of research in Mathematics Education and training for the improvement of teaching and learning processes in the university classroom, a series of problems were activated in the virtual environment so that students could try to solve them and communicate the results to their peers. The students showed totally adequate resolution qualities, they were timid in their oral communications, but capable of defending the resolution of the problem. That is to say that there is benefit from this type of learning based on the possibilities offered by the new technologies.