Abstract
This thesis focuses on the use of the Learning Management System (referred as LMS) at the Bachelor Courses of Physics from a methodological point of view and the analysis of content materials as digital learning objects with the goal to enhance collaborative production of knowledge, definition of models of sharing, construction and diffusion of resources, using digital technologies within the “Laboratory of Physics” subject.
The treatment of the subject is carried out at two different levels. The first deals with the use of LMS to transform the traditional courses of Laboratory of Physics to online ones. The online courses reproduce the structure of the traditional courses using the characteristics of an online teaching and learning environment such as presenting, receiving feedback, being tested, reading, viewing, communicating, working individually, working together, as well as the tools available for each characteristic mentioned above, and are delivered parallel to the traditional ones. The second covers the construction of didactic resources used, in particular digital learning objects such as photos, videos, reports, graphics, designs, etc., encouraging a collaborative production of knowledge. Special attention is paid to the creation of the videos for laboratory courses of mechanics, electromagnetism, wave and oscillations, and optics as a powerful tool in motivating, engaging and instructing the students.
This thesis also includes the results of an experimentation that involves a sample of 34 students of Bachelor in Physics. Data analysis is mainly based on qualitative research methods. The research has shown that online activities can be integrated into physics laboratory courses and effectively used through a LMS environment. Also, the collaborative learning, especially the combination of traditional with the on-line activities that stays at the basis of the production of digital learning objects and the construction of resources, has proved to play an active part in many aspects of the development of the courses. In addition, during the process of the construction of knowledge, the online environment increases and stimulates the interaction between professor and students, as well as among students. Part of work has also been the study of criteria and characteristics that a lab video must have in order to be effective in an online learning environment and students’ expectations about the use of LMS. The experimentation has been conducted from 2009 to 2014 at the Department of Physics of the University “L. Gurakuqi” of Shkoder, in Albania, in collaboration with the Institute of Educational Technologies of Palermo, in Italy.
Thesis in English language
Full reference of the thesis
Prenjasi, E. (2014). Methodology of use of Learning Management System at the Bachelor Courses of Physics, Free electronic library (http://www.book.xlibx.info/bo-philosophy/3264852-1-mgr-edlira-prenjasi-autorefer-t-dizerta-nej-pr-ce-methodolgy-us.php)
Publications related to the thesis
Prenjasi, E., Ahmetaga, Sh. (2015). Using Learning Management System to integrate physics courses with online activities: a case study. In C. Fazio and R.M. Sperandeo Mineo (Eds.), Teaching/Learning Physics. Integrating Research into Practice (University of Palermo, Italy), pp. 691-696, ISBN:978-88-907460-7-9
Prenjasi, E., Ahmetaga, A., Gavoçi, E., Nikolla, M. (2014). The use of digital technology in education in support of traditional courses. A case study of physics courses. National programs of research and development 2010-2014, Vol.1, 67-73, Agency of Research Technology and Innovation, Tiranë, Albania, ISBN 978-9928-4169-8-8. (http://www.akti.gov.al/dokumenta/Raporti_V1.pdf )
Prenjasi, E., Ahmetaga, Sh., Allegra, M. (2013). Integrating audiovisual practices in the design of online courses of laboratory of physics. Quality and efficiency in e-learning, proceedings of 9th International Scientific Conference “eLearning and Software è for Education”. Vol.II, ISSN: 2066 – 026X
Prenjasi, E., Allegra, M., Demkanin, P. (2011). The use of ICT by pre-service and in-service teachers of science. A case study in Albania. Proceedings of the 5th International Technology, Education and Development Conference, pp. 1654-1659, ISBN: 978-84-614-7423-3
Prenjasi, E., Ahmetaga, Sh., Allegra M. (2010). Online learning to support laboratory activities of general physics. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation. pp. 5338-5342, ISBN: 978-84-614-2439-9
Correspondence
Edlira Prenjasi
University “L.Gurakuqi” of Shkoder, Department of Physics
Sheshi “2 prilli”, Shkoder, Albania
