Usage of mobile devices as collaborative tools for education and preparation of official exams

Abstract

Preparation of official examinations and oppositions is a difficult task in which new technologies related to mobile Web 2.0 play an important role, because they can improve the learning methodology. A collaborative platform based on a smartphone application was developed for helping students to prepare an official examination which, in this concrete case, is the preparation of the exam for obtaining the accreditation for touristic guides of the Agència Valenciana del Turisme. The app enables the users to collaborate in the improving the platform sending their own questions and opinions about the development. The gamification of the process helps students increase their motivation to study. The application Turisme GVA had a very good reception with a high amount of downloads, also supported with opinions from users and real collaboration to improve the functioning and interface. All this interaction and exchange of information, complemented with final surveys and statistics, revealed a good level of satisfaction from users in the usage of smartphones to increase students' motivation and their degree of involvement for reaching a common goal. This project is a pioneer in the introduction and usage of new technologies in e-learning and mobile education.