Implementation of the b-learning method in the elective subject: “Ergonomía visual” (Visual Ergonomics)

Abstract

Along past second semester of course 2007-08, at first time a new optional subject, Visual Ergonomics, was taught by blearning methodology in Graduate of Optics and Optometry at the University of Alicante. In this word the some issues most outstanding , both positive and negative, are described in this first implementation with a reduced group of students. The theoretical section was mainly developed by b-learning methodology interchanging on-class training, the most of them as feed-back, with virtual sessions supported by some web 2.0 digital tools as a blog, multimedia and interactive sessions, and team work (where teacher participates as one additional member, inside a strategy pre-conceived of situational leadership applied to classroom). The informal opinion polls, collected in course final, show that, in spite of the fact the students were conscious they had clearly approved this subject, the vast of them did not friendly accept so educational innovations in this short period. Then, as epilogue to this experience in education, this subject could not teach in course 2008-09 because any student is enrolled. Although this discipline is highly recommended from national guidelines for future Graduate in Optics and Optometry, it is not sure it continues at the University of Alicante. However, I hope the positive issues of this experience in education can be extrapolated with success in other pre and university degrees.