Title: App PT-UA: proposal of an instantiation artefact as facilitator of social learning in a tutoring program

Authors: Dora Simões; Nuno Soares; Gillian Moreira

Addresses: Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCA), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Department of Communication and Art (DECA), University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Centre of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (CLLC), Department of Languages and Cultures (DLC), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract: The emerging democratisation of the use of mobile devices has challenged higher education institutions to think of innovative ways to engage their students (and teachers). Confronted with this reality and in order to improve social learning and engagement in the University of Aveiro's Tutoring Program (PT-UA), this paper describes the development of an innovative artefact - app PT-UA, based on mobile learning applications and a social network environment. The methodological approach adopted for the development of the app PT-UA is grounded in design science research (DSR). The proposed prototype is supported in an online social networking concept where all participants can publish and share ideas. It provides GPS navigation, an events calendar, real-time chat, user profiles, and a community where users can post and comment on other users' posts.

Keywords: tutoring program; social learning; mobile application; design science research; DSR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2020.107664

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2020 Vol.15 No.1, pp.45 - 65

Published online: 04 Jun 2020 *

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