Digital communication and education: tools and challenges in virtual teaching
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Abstract
The study investigates the influence of digital communication tools on virtual education, with a focus on their effectiveness, teacher-student interaction, accessibility barriers, and optimization strategies. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used, including regression analysis, principal components analysis and in-depth interviews. The quantitative results reveal that the use of online learning platforms and students' digital competence have a positive and significant impact on academic performance. However, student satisfaction and motivation also play a crucial role in their performance. The qualitative analyzes highlight that the limited interaction in the virtual environment negatively affects both students and teachers, reducing motivation and understanding of the material. Furthermore, inequalities in access to devices and the internet create a digital divide that makes equality in education difficult.
To address these challenges, several strategies are proposed. Among them, the development of technological training programs for students and teachers, the implementation of tools that improve online interaction, and measures to close the digital divide by providing devices and ensuring reliable internet connections. Although digital communication tools are essential for virtual education, their effectiveness depends on several factors, including digital competence, teacher-student interaction, and accessibility. Implementing strategies that address these aspects comprehensively is crucial to creating a more effective, equitable, and motivating learning environment for all students and teachers.
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Nelson Esteban Salgado-Reyes , Universidad Central del Ecuador - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8908-7613
Nelson Salgado R. is a senior researcher at the University Institute of Japan and the Central University of Ecuador. I have a PhD in Communication Technologies (ICT) from the University of Extremadura with more than 25 years of experience in scientific research. My work focuses on business intelligence, having published more than 50 articles in high impact international journals.
Mario Gabriel León-Torres , Universidad Central del Ecuador - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4471-8589
Mario Gabriel León Torres is a researcher and the Director of the Civil Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Central University of Ecuador (UCE). He holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's in Engineering Sciences from UCE, with over 20 years of professional experience in the field of road infrastructure at the national level, focusing on both technical and administrative aspects. In addition, he has more than 15 years of experience in university teaching, actively contributing to the education of new professionals. He has published articles in high-impact international journals and authored third-level academic texts.
Marcelo Vasquez-Guevara , Instituto Superior Tecnológico CUESTTV - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4630-9437
Marcelo Vasquez Guevara is a researcher at the Instituto Tecnológico Cuest TV. He has a master's degree and more than 10 years of experience in academia and institutional management. The work focuses on research for publication in national and international journals of high impact.
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