Pedagogical innovation based on student needs: Development of an e-book as an open educational resource

Abstract

Pedagogical innovations involve a collaborative attitude and a shared research process that generates new ideas and solutions to educational challenges, leading to significant transformations in practice and in the institutional context. In order to understand the needs of students of Animal Anatomy and Physiology (Agronomic Engineering, National University of Río Cuarto), a diagnostic evaluation was carried out, in which 54.5% (N=110) stated that to better understand the subject they need theoretical texts with problem situations related to the professional profile. The aim of this work was to develop updated, digital, and open-access educational material based on the thematic axes of the course syllabus. In the initial stage of this project, diagnostic evaluations were conducted to identify the type of didactic resources required by students. In a second stage, the electronic book Physiological Bases of Animal Production was developed and published by UniRío Editora. In the final stage, the impact of creating and using this innovative material on students during the course was assessed. Surveys conducted with 33 students revealed that the preferred didactic material for preparing midterm exams was Physiological Bases of Animal Production (57.6%), followed by teachers’ PDF presentations (27.3%) and students’ own class notes (9.1%). When asked about the usefulness of the e-book, 97% of students stated that they used it, highlighting that its contents were clear (84.8%) and sufficient for taking the course (87.9%). Furthermore, 66.7% of respondents reported using it as a guide during the course and as study material for midterm exams. The implementation of the electronic book Physiological Bases of Animal Production demonstrated a positive impact on students enrolled in the subject Animal Anatomy and Physiology.