Professional Formation in e-learning environments. Case study about the Project-Based Learning (PBL) in postgraduate virtual course

Abstract

More governments have supported the development of their knowledge through strategies and policies to improve higher education, innovation and research. In Latin America, the incorporation of technological systems for the construction of innovative learning environments is still incipient. The objective of the research is to characterize the scope of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodology in the professional training of teachers in an e-learning learning environment. A learning environment was designed in the virtual platform Blackboard, based on the systematization of five phases based on the PBL methodology, the methodological design of the instrumental case study was used with a sample of 60 students from different parts of Latin America (92% Mexico, 3% Colombia and 5% Ecuador), the data collection instruments that were used were ad hoc questionnaires and digital evaluation rubrics. The qualitative analysis of content shows a high frequency in the thematic categories of: linking of theoretical-methodological concepts, collaboration and teamwork skills, digital resources, programs and on-line platforms. It is concluded that impact of PBL methodology in Postgraduate courses favors the motivation of teachers in innovating their educational practice, as well as the generation of a high commitment in the collaborative work focused on the resolution of problems in social-educational contexts in students of a Master's program in Education with private funding, and emphasis on educational innovation training.