Evolution of teaching tools and the learning process: From traditional teaching to edX courses

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the implementation of the course "Introducción a la Ingeniería del Helicóptero" (Introduction to Helicopter Engineering) in the new e-learning platform edX. The publication of this subject in the edX platform is the natural evolution in the process of teaching and learning helicopter engineering in an Aeronautical Engineering degree from the more classical teaching methodology developed in the classroom over the last 30 years. The need to explain in a clear way how helicopter systems work using complex diagrams, and the explanation of certain phenomena in the flight of helicopters have been leading towards the development of newer teaching tools. The results of the newly developed edX course, which received extremely positive feedback in its first year, are presented here by the teaching staff. A number of conclusions are drawn, and a comparative analysis with the previous experience of this subject in OpenCourseWare will be presented.