STUDENT-LED LEARNING THROUGH COLLABORATIVE VIDEOS ON HYDROLOGY AND SOIL EROSION

Abstract

This study aims to give an impulse to the modernization of the learning process through a collaborative effort, led by students themselves. Through the combination of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and new social media used frequently by students (Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest,…) the learning process was enhanced while at the same time promoting learning through new technological approaches that helped to analyze and understand processes related to hydrology and soil erosion. Through the elaboration of their own videos own different topics chosen by student groups, they identify the learning objectives of the course subject according to its importance and assume responsibilities of their own learning process. The chosen course themes were: (i) the movement of the wetting front in soils of different texture; (ii) water retention in green roofs; (iii) field water infiltration practical. The students, in groups of 2 to 6 were assigned to design the scenario for the videos, shooting and finally its diffusion through moodle and social media (in this case Twitter was selected). This collection of educative videos will constitute a new learning tool for following courses. It contributed to the group to deepen its knowledge about a particular course theme, and show their progress to their fellow students so that the learning process would be collective.