The use of digital tools in the development of collaborative learning: analysis of experience in Higher Education

This paper describes and analyses the application of new educational practices in the Preschool Teacher Degree at the University of Alicante. We live in a society in which knowing how to use information and communication technologies is an essential part of a teacher's life. The main objective of this research was to explore and analyze the effectiveness of social networks and virtual networks in developing collaborative learning in the classroom. A mixed methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) was followed, using a questionnaire filled out by 63 students. Data was analyzed using the SPSS. 19 and the AQUAD Six programmes. The results show clear student satisfaction regarding both the methodology and the collaborative work: both are understood as ideal in terms of project realization. However, the conclusions of this study show that: 1) we are still along way from considering communication technologies as a natural component in teaching/learning activities; 2) their integration within a virtual institutional environment is not a simple matter.