Educational graphic tool for teaching fundamentals of digital image representation

• Published in: Computer applications in engineering education Vol. 29; no. 6; pp. 1489 - 1504
• Main Authors: Fresnedo, Óscar, Laport, Francisco, Castro, Paula M., Dapena, Adriana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Curricula; Digital imaging; efficient learning methods; image compression; Learning; meaningful learning; Multimedia; Representations; Software; Software development tools; software tools; Students; teaching resources
• ISSN: 1061-3773; 1099-0542
• DOI: 10.1002/cae.22402

In the last few decades, different teaching methodologies have been proposed to promote more active learning of students. However, it is still essential to understand the practical implications of the theoretical concepts incorporating additional methodologies, for example, problem‐based learning. This methodology could include practises focused on students' programming or on using appropriate software tools. For more meaningful learning, the use of a graphic tool instead of programming provides more insight into those concepts throughout a simple and practical resource. Taking this into account, a software tool has been developed in addition to theoretical sessions in the context of a subject of the Degree in Computer Science, where the learning objectives are related to the representation and compression of multimedia content. In addition, this tool allows to configure useful exercises for these practical sessions, such that students can experiment and analyse the results from a visual perspective. The results of the surveys show a high degree of satisfaction of students, who highlight that the tool has helped them to better understand the curriculum content. In addition, there are signs of improvement in the academic results corresponding to the evaluation of performance with such software.