Introducing Low-Cost Sensors into the Classroom Settings: Improving the Assessment in Agile Practices with Multimodal Learning Analytics.

Hector Cornide-Reyes,Carlos Becerra,Cristian Cechinel,René Noël,Fabián Riquelme,Roberto Munoz,Roberto Mac Lean,Rodolfo Villarroel,Matías Gajardo

doi:10.3390/s19153291

Abstract

Currently, the improvement of core skills appears as one of the most significant educational challenges of this century. However, assessing the development of such skills is still a challenge in real classroom environments. In this context, Multimodal Learning Analysis techniques appear as an attractive alternative to complement the development and evaluation of core skills. This article presents an exploratory study that analyzes the collaboration and communication of students in a Software Engineering course, who perform a learning activity simulating Scrum with Lego® bricks. Data from the Scrum process was captured, and multidirectional microphones were used in the retrospective ceremonies. Social network analysis techniques were applied, and a correlational analysis was carried out with all the registered information. The results obtained allowed the detection of important relationships and characteristics of the collaborative and Non-Collaborative groups, with productivity, effort, and predominant personality styles in the groups. From all the above, we can conclude that the Multimodal Learning Analysis techniques offer considerable feasibilities to support the process of skills development in students.

Highlights

One of the main educational challenges for the 21st century is the development of core skills, such as communication, collaboration, knowledge of information and communication technologies, and cultural or social competences [1]
The students should show a behavior based on their natural profile, i.e., they will behave in front of the work in an innate way and as they usually do in their activities
We focused on the analysis of Multimodal Learning Analytics (MMLA) as a complement to the evaluation of complex skills such as collaboration and communication

Summary

Introduction

One of the main educational challenges for the 21st century is the development of core skills, such as communication, collaboration, knowledge of information and communication technologies, and cultural or social competences [1] Active learning methods, such as collaborative learning, present a solution alternative to facilitate a means for the development of this type of skills [2], but at the same time, a challenge for the evaluation is how to measure which students are effectively exercising and developing the required skills. Sensors 2019, 19, 3291; doi:10.3390/s19153291 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors (such as Arduino) provide a huge opportunity for the implementation of low-cost sensors [4] These types of solutions would help the development of core skills through collaborative learning, because the teacher would be able to have a greater and better amount of data generated by the students [5]. Some of the embedded products with similar characteristics, but not oriented to education, cost above US$ 400

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