University Of Ecuador Research Articles

Impact of Marketing Strategies on Strengthening the Image of Public Universities in Ecuador

This article analyzes how marketing strategies impact the strengthening of public universities' images in Ecuador. In a systematic literature review, it shows that the main problems affecting institutional reputation are found in the lack of qualified personnel in their communication departments, as well as administrative management deficiencies. Then, it introduces some of the emerging relational tools, like artificial intelligence and neuromarketing, whose effectiveness has been already tested with a view to improving institutional perception. The competitiveness theory will provide insights for understanding how universities can acquire differential advantages within an increasingly globalized and competitive market for educational services. It follows that effective marketing strategies, digital marketing, and personalized contents help in increasing visibility, thereby attracting more students and enabling international collaborations. The article concluded that what public universities need to do is integrate such strategies coherently with their institutional objectives for effective positioning and improved public perception.

Future of Universities in the Face of Technological and Educational Challenges

In recent years, the situation of education has changed drastically and especially at the higher and university level. This factor is a consequence of technological development, the needs of the new generations and business demands. Thus, the research question that guides this study arises: How can universities adapt to provide an education that responds to these requirements? To this end, an exploratory documentary research is developed on the future of universities, and quantitative instruments are applied to know the perception of the future of universities by both teachers and students who belong to prominent universities in Ecuador. The results reflect that, in the coming decades, universities will be transformed, driven by advanced technologies, the demand for personalized and flexible education, and a greater link with the labor market and sustainability. This evolution will not only improve the quality and accessibility of higher education, but will also prepare students to meet the challenges of the future.

Inclusive Policies and the Permanence of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education 2024

The situations of disability of students in public and private universities in Ecuador and the use of inclusive policies represent a point of analysis and institutional application worthy of research. Through the implementation and evaluation of these policies, it is intended to guarantee equitable access to education, while promoting an inclusive academic environment. The research aimed to determine the relationship between inclusive policies and the permanence of students with disabilities at the University of Guayaquil during the fiscal period 2023, through a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, correlational scope, and cross-sectional section. The adaptation of perception instruments on inclusive policies and student permanence was used, which were validated by experts in addition to establishing adequate reliability indices, for a total sample of 113 students. Among its results, it evidenced a medium perception of inclusive policies with 56.64% by students, about their application in higher education institutions; in relation to the perception of student permanence, a mean perception of 62.83% by students corresponded. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship was denoted between both inclusive policies and the permanence of students with disabilities in the university. In conclusion, as the application of inclusive policies is perceived, the permanence of students with disabilities is guaranteed.

Unveiling the core constructs: A statistical approach to evaluating user experience with Chatbots in higher education (A case study from a university in Ecuador)

Introduction: Chatbots are increasingly utilized in education, offering real-time, personalized communication. While research has explored technical aspects of chatbots, user experience remains under-investigated. This study examines a model for evaluating user experience and satisfaction with chatbots in higher education. Methodology: A four-factor model (information quality, system quality, chatbot experience, user satisfaction) was proposed based on prior research. An alternative two-factor model emerged through exploratory factor analysis, focusing on “Chatbot Response Quality” and “User Experience and Satisfaction with the Chatbot.” Surveys were distributed to students and faculty at a university in Ecuador to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis validated both models. Results: The two-factor model explained a significantly greater proportion of the data’s variance (55.2%) compared to the four-factor model (46.4%). Conclusion: This study suggests that a simpler model focusing on chatbot response quality and user experience is more effective for evaluating chatbots in education. Future research can explore methods to optimize these factors and improve the learning experience for students.

Competencias investigativas en docentes de ciencias de la salud

Teaching is a task that usually requires scientific research because, from it, knowledge is strengthened not only in the area of teaching performance but also in the development of pedagogical strategies. Considering these ideas, this article has proposed as a general objective, to characterize the research competencies of Health Sciences teachers in universities in Ecuador. In its methodological orientation, it is descriptive research with a documentary design that uses known databases, including Dialnet, Google Academic, and Scielo. Thus, authors and research are selected concerning the dimensions of teaching research competencies, that is, research, publications, methodological expertise, and digital literacy. Subsequently, the results are presented in categorical tables or analytical matrices that contrast the theoretical elements with some realities of universities in the country, specifically in the health area. Among the study findings, the need to strengthen teachers' research skills is specified based on their scientific production, the number of publications, and their task in terms of forging the student profiles they are in charge of in the classroom. It concludes with the projection of the desired teaching profile, in terms of skills for research in the field of health, which is pertinent to promote in higher education centers in Ecuador.

Enhancing EFL Higher Education through Fliki Videos: An Artificial Intelligence Implementation Approach

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents different opportunities for enhancing personalized learning experiences within the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. Its capacity for adaptive learning is particularly noteworthy, as it caters to individual students’ unique styles. In this context, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Fliki AI videos on EFL teaching and learning and determine students’ perceptions of their use. The participants included 84 pre-service EFL teachers at a private university in Ecuador. A mixed-method design was used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Instruments were diagnostic and perception questionnaires and an interview. The main findings revealed that Fliki AI videos effectively enhanced student engagement and comprehension. Additionally, participants reported improved understanding of linguistic and pedagogical concepts through clear explanations and visual representations provided by the videos. The adaptability of Fliki AI videos allowed for personalized learning experiences, while supplementary activities reinforced learning outcomes. Further research could explore optimal design features and instructional strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of these resources.

Assessment of the self-perception of the research role of medical students in universities in Ecuador

Introduction: The promotion of quality research at the university level implies the strengthening of the training of professionals who master the scientific method and knowledge, and this is especially necessary in a scenario where there are limited competencies and capacities to update and perfect procedures that improve the health of the population. Objective: To assess the self-perception of the research role of medical students. Method: A total of 105 university students exposed to learning topics about research methodology during their academic training from their first level to their pre-professional internships, at the universities of San Gregorio de Portoviejo, Guayaquil, and others, were investigated through a questionnaire conducted in GoogleForm, disseminated through teachers and group leaders. Results: 80% of the respondents were female, 40.4% stated that their level of training is lower in relation to developed countries, 7.7% had committed fraud at some time, 7.7% could not imagine doing research work, while 46.2% indicated that 15.4% give medium importance to the training of doctors-researchers. 61.5% consider that they have an average ability to formulate research problems, and another 11.5% declare that it is low.Conclusions: The strengthening of the teaching-learning process of research methodology issues should include, in its design, how to deal with negative manifestations associated with self-discrimination limiting to reach the category of researcher and the habit of plagiarism recognized as a lack of academic and professional ethics.

Effectiveness of professional development training on reflective practice and action research: a case study from Ecuador

ABSTRACT This article presents the findings of a case study involving 31 English language teacher-learners who took part in a three-week professional development (PD) project at a state university in Ecuador. The purpose of this case study was twofold. It attempted to measure the extent to which the participants were able to increase their understanding of (1) reflective practice (RP) and (2) action research (AR) by attending the PD project. The data were gathered quantitatively and qualitatively using four instruments: a pre-/post-training questionnaire on the participants’ understanding of RP and AR, a pre/post-training task on types of reflection, and an action research poster reflection form. The findings revealed that the teacher-learners deepened their knowledge and understanding of RP through the project; however, they did not increase their knowledge of AR. The article discusses the possible reasons for these results and provides implications for future teacher-training provision.

The mediating role of satisfaction with life in the relationship between hope and academic satisfaction among Ecuadorian university students

The aim is to identify the effect that hope has on academic satisfaction at a direct and indirect level through satisfaction with life in a sample of university students from Ecuador. The method used is based on a descriptive, explanatory mediation and cross-sectional study with SEM techniques. The sample is formed by 879 participants, 79.6% are women and 20.4% are men. With ages between 18 and 67 years (M = 29.71, SD = 7.92). The students are from ten public universities in Ecuador, divided into 22 undergraduate courses. The results are that the levels of hope, life satisfaction and academic satisfaction are moderate and high. Hope and satisfaction with life explain 24.6% of the changes in the variance of academic satisfaction. Satisfaction with life plays a mediating role and explains 58.6% of the total effect of the relationship between hope and academic satisfaction. It is concluded that hope exerts both a direct and indirect effect through life satisfaction on the academic satisfaction of university students in Ecuador.

Teaching Staff Mathematics University: Catalyst of the Emotional-Techno-Ontological Logic

The relevance of the study lies in the necessity to investigate the psycho-emotional state of teachers during the transition to remote teaching in universities and its impact on academic performance and emotional state of students. The aim of the research was to develop a theoretical approach to describe the emotional and techno-ontological logic of mathematics teachers during distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of their emotional state on the learning process. The study involved teachers and students from universities in Ecuador, both private and public. The study observed the behavior of teachers and students, analyzed the use of technology in mathematical activities, and analyzed personal opinions about the learning process of the participants of the study. A digital observation guide and open-ended interviews were used to collect data. The qualitative analysis program Atlas.ti was used to analyze the data. The program created three categories: andragogical retrotopia of mathematics, emotional scar in teacher preparation, and perceptions of the educational process. As the results of the research showed, there was a deficit of digital professional training of teachers in the university teaching of mathematics. And it was also found that the teacher played the role of a catalyst for the emotional-techno-ontological state of the educational process. As a result of the research work carried out, a theoretical approach is proposed, through which it is possible to avoid the manifestation of techno-ontological logical emotions in mathematics teachers in Ecuadorian universities.

Climate Change: Relationship between Knowledge and Perception in Students of an Agricultural-Based University in Ecuador

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has confirmed that climate change is an unequivocal fact, presenting significant challenges due to its adverse impacts. Understanding climate change is crucial for agricultural students, as climate variability and extreme weather events directly affect agriculture. This study examined agronomy students’ perceptions and knowledge of climate change at a technical university in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. An online structured questionnaire was used to gather data on students’ perceptions and knowledge. The questionnaire had two sections, i.e., perception and knowledge. The perception section employed a Likert scale covering the following six components: skepticism, perceived benefit, economy, environmentalism, perceived risk, and negative effects. The knowledge section included true/false questions across four dimensions, i.e., causes, effects, concepts, and human relationships. The results indicated that most students had a medium level of perception (55.85%) and knowledge (54.25%) regarding climate change. A low but significant correlation was found between perception and knowledge (rs = 0.12, p = 0.02). Based on these findings, the researchers recommend incorporating specific climate change courses to better prepare students for sustainable agricultural development in a changing climate.

Genetic knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador.

Genetics plays a crucial role in the field of medicine, offering numerous applications. However, health professionals often have insufficient knowledge in this area. Therefore, it is essential to provide appropriate genetics education during university studies. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving final-year medical students from a public university in Ecuador. The third version of the Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey was administered between April and May 2022. The study examined sociodemographic characteristics, genetic knowledge, and attitudes towards genetic testing. The study included 153 medical students, of which 58.2% identified as female. Most participants fell within the age range of 22 to 25 years old (85.0%). Regarding genetic knowledge, three-quarters of the participants (75.2%) demonstrated intermediate proficiency, while only 9.80% possessed a high level of knowledge. Attitudes towards the clinical and therapeutic applications of genetics, scientific advancements, access to conventional medicine, and other related topics were found to be appropriate. The findings suggest that most final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador have intermediate genetic knowledge and hold appropriate attitudes towards genetic testing. However, higher education institutions should conduct a comprehensive analysis and restructure their curricula to better prepare students for the medical and technological challenges of the 21st century.

Perceptions of University Teachers on the Use Of Icts in Teaching: an Exploratory Qualitative Study

Objective: Analysis aims to analyze the perceptions of university teachers about the use of ICT in teaching from a exploratory study. Methods: Fulfill this a documentary search of 22 articles carried out on University of Ecuador regarding the use and perception of ICT in university teaching; second, the theoretical foundation and relevant findings on the topic are selected to form an analysis regarding possibilities and opportunities for improvement; Third, a discussion is carried out that allows the understanding of social representation phenomena regarding ICTs in Ecuadorian universities. As a methodology, an exploratory qualitative study is implemented through a literary review that accounts for the phenomenon of teachers' perceptions in the use of technologies as a fundamental tool for learning. Thus, the documentary search is carried out in studies from Ecuador that have been completed for a maximum of 5 years. Result: As a result, the analysis seeks to form an analysis that explains teachers' perceptions and build strategies that help improve their application for teaching.

University students’ perspectives on online English language learning: Implications for Ecuadorian educators

Online education has mainly been at the core of discussions after Latin America’s Covid-19 sanitary crisis started in March 2020. Teachers and institutions have explored different ways to face what is now called “the new normal”. This study aims to identify the perspectives of Ecuadorian university students on online English language learning in order to inform the design of strategies that allow improvements in the teaching process. This quantitative study was carried out at a university in Ecuador and encompassed 4.936 participants from different majors. An online questionnaire was administered for data collection and analyzed through the application of neural networks. The results showed that students perceive learning English online positively and that their greatest strengths are in listening and writing, while their difficulties lie in developing their reading and speaking abilities. This suggests that more attention should be given to the development of reading and speaking strategies in an attempt to fill the gap that students indicated while answering the questionnaire. Some directions in that regard are given in the conclusion.

From perception to performance: To establish the level of influence of prior knowledge on the scores of the reading section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of B1 level students of a public university in Ecuador

The general objective of this article is to determine whether the perceptions of B1 level students at a public university in Ecuador about their prior knowledge influence their scores in the reading section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The type of research was mixed, since numerical data were collected quantitatively and then generalized, and through a qualitative study important aspects were examined regarding the students' prior knowledge and whether it influences their performance in the aforementioned international test. For the sample, 28 students were selected, which were approached by two key instruments for the study, such as: the simulated test and the survey. The results obtained showed that the students' perceptions of their prior knowledge do not correlate with their performance in the reading section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Also, there was a high incidence of students who felt that reading does not help much in learning about a topic, however, they think it is of great help for vocabulary improvement.

Analisis of Influence of prior Knowledge on the Scores of the Reading Section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) B1 level

The general objective of this article is to establish from a theoretical approach the level of influence of prior knowledge in the scores of the reading section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), of B1 level students of a public university in Ecuador. The methodology used for this study was descriptive, since it was based on describing the most relevant aspects of the problem under study, it also had a documentary approach so that relevant information was extracted from scientific journals, articles and books related to similar topics within the context of reading comprehension and the international IELTS test. As a result, it was found that many authors claim that if the student has prior knowledge, his reading comprehension quality would improve; However, McNeil (2011) refers to the opposite by considering that such knowledge does not act effectively at the time of reading, arguing that this knowledge corresponds to an independent variable in reading, implying that there is a possibility that the perception of B1 level students about their prior knowledge of the topic of a reading does not align with their performance in a reading section of an IELTS test.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LAB PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION AS AN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN-BUILD STUDIO: TEACHING AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE

This working paper explores experiential learning and teaching experiences that aim to create socially responsible architects and buildings who prioritize sustainability and innovation and offer some questions for further research. The ideas presented in this work are the evaluation of a cross-cultural Design-Build studio established in 2022 by design units from universities in Ecuador, Chile, and Germany to reflect on various aspects of architectural design, civil engineering, management, and other aspects of sustainable construction that are often overlooked in traditional teaching programs. The Design-Build methodology, explores such potential linkages: 1-Interactive and dynamic learning environment allow to establish the design of an architectural project through a cooperative process, 2-The application through scientific inquiry and critical thinking of local construction techniques in international projects update the methods to comply with current building codes, and 3-Active involvement of the team planning in the construction of the building, allow to test and establish sustainable constructions methods that are suitable for informal self-build and can be reproduced by the local population. Over one hundred participants contributed to the completion of the building. A questionnaire was conducted to evaluate the academic experience. Most respondents reported an increase in their academic and practical knowledge in construction, as well as in architectural skills, self-confidence and personal skills.

Incidence of programming fundamentals in the abstract thinking of university students

This article examines the impact of learning programming fundamentals on the development of abstract thinking in college students. Through an exhaustive review of the literature and the application of a questionnaire, the connections between the teaching of programming and the cognitive skills associated with abstract thinking are explored. Descriptive and non-experimental statistics were used, the sample consisted of 116 fourth level university students enrolled in the Second Academic Period 2022 - 2023 of a public university in Ecuador. The results reveal a positive correlation, indicating that programming instruction is linked to substantial improvements in abstraction capacity, problem solving and creativity. These findings suggest the importance of effectively integrating programming into the university curriculum to foster the comprehensive development of cognitive skills.

Personality traits and leadership styles of students: Evidence from Ecuador

The study aims to evaluate how personality traits affect transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership styles. It uses the quantitative approach with a non-experimental research design; the data were collected cross-sectionally, with a correlational-causal scope. The sample included 418 professionals studying MBA at private universities in Ecuador and working in private companies. Personality traits were measured with the Revised NEO-PI-R Personality Inventory, while the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) measured leadership styles through the survey. Data analysis included the use of correlations and multivariate regression models. The results show that openness to experience (β = 0.100*), extraversion (β = 0.217**), conscientiousness (β = 0.239**), and work experience (β = 0.086*) generated a positive and meaningful effect on transformational leadership. Neuroticism was also significant but with a negative standardized coefficient (β = –0.445**). Also, extraversion (β = 0.169**), conscientiousness (β = 0.303**), and work experience (β = 0.222**) had a positive and significant effect on transactional leadership; neuroticism was also significant but with a negative standardized coefficient (β = –0.243**). Finally, extraversion (β = –0.311**) and conscientiousness (β = –0.192**) had a negative and significant effect, and neuroticism (β = 0.451**) had a positive and significant effect on the passive-avoidant leadership style.

Methodological research competencies of pre-service teachers

The exercise of teaching requires the development of research processes as an activity inherent to the profession. From this statement, the objective of this research was derived, which was to analyze the methodological competencies in research of teachers in training at two universities in Ecuador. To this end, a study was developed with a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental design and exploratory field research. The sample was intentional with 325 students from two universities in Ecuador, to whom a digital form was shared, attending to the methodological dimensions referred to determination of approaches, designs, scope, sample selection, instrument design, as well as information analysis, among others. The results indicated greater difficulties in defining the appropriate methodological route for the research, connecting the methodological theory to the reality of the study, constructing the instruments according to the research interests, interpreting and/or analyzing the results obtained and relating the results to the existing theory. It is concluded that the student's willingness to develop metacognitive processes that self-regulate their learning and the dedication of the teacher is required for the search for strategies that allow the achievement of the objectives in the subjects of the epistemology and research methodology field