Impact of the WampServer application in Blended learning considering data science, machine learning, and neural networks

Abstract

This quantitative research aims to analyze the impact of the WampServer application in Blended learning during the educational process of computing through data science, machine learning, and neural networks. WampServer is a free application that allows the creation of websites considering the use of the database. This research proposes the use of Blended learning in the Development of applications subject in order to facilitate the teaching–learning process in the Database unit. The students discuss and reflect the concepts on the database in the classroom and carry out various school activities on the construction of websites at home through the use of the WampServer application. The sample consists of 28 students who took the Development of applications subject during the 2016 school year. The results of machine learning (linear regression) with 50, 60, and 70% of training indicate that the use of PHP, HTML, and SQL languages in the WampServer application positively influences the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming. Data science identifies six predictive models about the use of WampServer in the educational process of computing. On the other hand, neural networks determine the factors that influence the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming. This research recommends the incorporation of the WampServer application in the school activities related to the computer field to create new educational spaces and facilitate the teaching–learning process. Teachers can transform the educational context through the organization and realization of creative activities inside and outside the classroom. Finally, the use of WampServer in Blended learning allows creating new spaces for teaching and learning of computer science because this application favors the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming.