ARE NEW TECHNOLOGIES INFLUENCING THE ACADEMIC RESULTS ACHIEVED BY STUDENTS? An exploratory study

The purpose of this study is to analyze the application of Information Communication
Technologies (ICTs) within tertiary education in a Spanish University. We analyze the
results of a new initiative developed by the University of Zaragoza through an
innovative project for a virtual campus called ‘Anillo Digital Docente’. Data relating to
the degree of WebCT’s use is analyzed, as well as the academic results achieved by the
students using it. These results are compared with the results achieved by other
students studying in a traditional teaching setting. Several conclusions are drawn from
this comparison: firstly, on how effective these technologies are within regulated
university education; and secondly, on how beneficial the extension of its application
would be to other educational areas.