Multimedia Techniques is an optional course of Computer Science at University of Alicante that has been introduced in the syllabus in the last academic year 2006-07 for the first time. According to its description, it has a high degree of technological content since it covers the latest advances in audio, video, and telephony. These include protocols, conversions, codification, streaming, data formats, etc. so the amount of detailed information is sufficiently high to impede the development of classical format classes. A unidirectional class scheme, in which teacher dictates to students and there is a final evaluation that only considers the quantity of captured details, is proven to be unsatisfactory. Besides, the student motivation is very low because he or she feels classes as wasted, given that such details are widespread available in the internet. What really matters to students is the way technology solves certain everyday problems, rather than technical issues that are meant to change very rapidly in the incoming years.

As a consequence, the whole course has been designed as a mix of dynamic activities that exploit the benefits of self-directed learning and cover almost the entire course syllabus. A variety of learning techniques have been used during the academic year to make the course appealing to students and profitable in terms of learning objectives. The main two activities are programmed to be held in the middle and the last part of the year. The first one is an explanation and discussion in class about one particularly part of the syllabus that have chosen and prepared with the aid of the teacher. The second activity is the resolution of a challenging technological problem by working groups at class. Since it is the same problem to all groups, students make an effort to obtain what they consider the best solution. Finally, they present their results in a poster session with a short talk and technical discussion.

Results have been highly encouraged both to students, which have a feel of deep learning, and for the teacher since a considerable part of the syllabus has been transmitted with high retention degree. Students have appreciated the working plan and perceived the interaction between them as being generally effective in improving their knowledge in dealing with technological aspects covered in the course.