Educational Techniques Comparative Study by Using Combined Environment via Computer and Mobile Devices in Asynchronous Discussion Forum

Over recent years, the rapid development of mobile devices has made possible the support of educational applications in distance education to the extent that the term m-learning (mobile learning) has now been established as a relatively autonomous field with distinct features as to the means used compared to e-learning in general. This paper focuses on the for a of asynchronous distance education with the purpose of comparing educational techniques widely used in the fields (such as brainstorming and snowballing) in a combined environment both via computer and mobile devices, in the framework of a training program in IT basic skills for primary education teachers. For the purpose of this study, modeling in formal language was used to classify the messages in the forum, as well as a respective system to automate this procedure. As it is deduced from the data analysis and the study of the text messages in the Moodle forum (v.1.6), the groups using brainstorming technique show higher participation at the forum than those using the snowballing technique. Furthermore, brainstorming technique is more advantageous than Snowballing technique concerning the educational effectiveness.