The potential benefits from the introduction of programming environments such as Scratch for learning mathematics has reactivated research in this area. Nonetheless, there are few studies which attempt to analyse their influence at the stage of Primary Education. We present the results of a quasi-experimental piece of research with sixth-grade students which studies the influence of Scratch both on the acquisition of mathematical concepts, and on the development of computational thinking. The experiment consisted of two different phases, a programming phase linked to the instruction in Scratch and focused on the acquisition of basic concepts of computational thinking (sequences, iterations, conditionals, and events-handling), and a mathematical phase completely oriented towards the resolution of mathematical tasks. In particular, the mathematical phase focused on word problems whose resolution involves the use of the least common multiple and the greatest common divisor. In order to evaluate the aims of the study, results from tests before and after instruction, both in computational thinking and in the mathematical standards, were compared. The results seem to indicate that Scratch can be used to develop both students’ mathematical ideas and computational thinking.

Virtual Reality is an emerging educational technology due to its potential immersive, interactive and imaginative characteristics supporting pupils in the learning process towards meaningful learning. Furthermore, the current teaching of history is generally too traditional, making the subject being perceived as pointless and boring by students. These aspects lead to poor academic performance. In this context, this study focuses on analysing the eventual benefits of Virtual Reality in the teaching of history at Primary Education and compares its results with those of traditional teaching resources in two dimensions, academic performance and the motivation of students. Thus, an intervention was performed with 98 fourth graders divided into two groups, control and experimental. For the collection of the data referring to motivation, an adaptation of the Instructional Material Survey instrument from Keller [(2010). Motivational design for learning and performance: The ARCS model approach. New York, NY: Springer] was used while, in relation to the evaluation of the academic performance, a specific test was designed taking as reference the tests of the coursebooks for the unit of work “The Roman Civilization” of the subject Social Sciences. The results show statistically significant differences in favour of those students who used Virtual Reality, both in motivation and in academic performance.

One of the emerging technologies that have sparked greater interest in pedagogical contexts is augmented reality. This paper aims to assess the impact, practices and attitudes that are generated from augmented reality in the initial training of future teachers, and the presence of these practices in a university training context. The study was carried out with 87 trainee primary teachers. Information was obtained by applying the Wilcoxon test. The qualitative data obtained in open questions were also triangulated. It is emphasized that students do not habitually use this resource at the university, and that with these practices there is sometimes a certain amount of distraction, and even of time being wasted. From the data analyzed, we also highlight that once the availability of resources, class planning and initial teacher training are overcome, augmented reality provides benefits and advantages centered on pedagogies that allow for greater enthusiasm on the part of the students, with significant advantages in creativity, innovation, participation, and especially in the motivation of participants. Coinciding with recent research, our results underline the need for initial training so as to be able to design and apply practices with augmented reality in teaching, and to take advantage of the aforementioned benefits.

La competencia digital en la formación inicial docente es esencial en la actualidad ya que los estudiantes de enseñanza básica están en frecuente contacto con las nuevas tecnologías. Por tanto, sería conveniente que los futuros docentes acabasen el grado con una competencia digital óptima. Los objetivos de este estudio se centran en analizar el grado de competencia digital docente en el alumnado de Grado de Educación Infantil y Primaria mediante el modelo del “Marco Común de Competencia Digital Docente” del INTEF (2017b). La metodología seguida ha sido de carácter cuantitativo observacional. Para ello, se ha utilizado un cuestionario online basado en dicho modelo, en el que han participado un total de 117 estudiantes de 4º curso de los Grados de Maestro en Ed. Infantil y Ed. Primaria de la Facultad de Educación de Albacete. Los resultados adquiridos muestran un nivel básico en las áreas estudiadas en ambas titulaciones tanto al inicio como al final del grado. Finalmente, se concluye que se hace necesaria la formación en TIC en los títulos del Grado para la adaptación de los futuros maestros y maestras a las necesidades del alumnado de Educación Infantil y Primaria. Nowadays, digital competence in the initial training is essential since elementary students are often in touch with ICT. Therefore, it would be advisable that future teachers finish the degree with optimal digital competence. This study aims at analyzing teachers’ digital competence in students of teacher training degrees through the INTEF model (2017) “Common Framework for Teachers’ Digital Competence”. We followed a quantitative and observational methodology. For this purpose, an online questionnaire based on this model was used and 117 students participated. These students were mainly 4th year Early-Childhood and Primary Education students in the Faculty of Education. The results achieved show a basic level in the areas studied both in Early-Childhood and Primary, as well as at the beginning and end of their Education. To conclude, the inclusion of ICT training is necessary in training future Early-Childhood and Primary teachers in order to satisfy the needs of their students.