Blended learning in the teaching of Mmodelling and Simulation: an educational experience during the pandemic

Abstract

This article presents an educational experience of combined learning in the subject Modeling and Simulation of the study plan of the Automatic Engineer in CUJAE in Cuba. The objective of the methodological scientific research was to redesign the subject of Modeling and Simulation of the Control Systems discipline in the face-to-face modality. Due to the by the Covid19 pandemic, in the 2021 and 2022 academic years, the self-learning activities were combined, with face-to-face meetings and clarification of doubts at a distance. The adaptation carried out transformed hours of lectures and practical classes into meeting-type classes and passed another set of hours of lectures, practical classes and laboratory activities to the non-contact modality. Study cases, solved and proposed exercises and detailed learning guides for the laboratories were support for distance learning. Non-face-to-face activities had electronic support in the Telegram electronic messaging system with special ChatBots with mobile data
expense in the year 2021. The RocketChat electronic messaging system with free support on the university server was the support of the year 2022. The teaching materials were available and free in the cloud of the university. The frequent and partial evaluation was adapted to a portfolio evaluation system with partial deliveries and systematic feedback using modeling
case studies based on industrial reality. The results of promotion and the system of questionnaires applied allowed to evaluate the impact of the adaptations in the students.