Competencies and challenges of UNICAES professors in the design of virtual learning environments and resources

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to determine the competencies and challenges faced by professors at Universidad Católica de El Salvador in the design of learning environments and training resources in virtual learning environments. Methodologically, a descriptive study with a mixed approach was conducted; observation techniques were applied with twenty participants, a focus group with seventeen teachers, and a survey with 258 students. All participants belonged to the four university faculties at the Santa Ana campus.

It was determined that the university professors have competencies in the design of virtual learning environments, such as information organization, virtual classroom design, instructional design, Moodle platform management, communication, and interaction. At the same time, they developed competencies that allow them to connect knowledge with tools to create, select virtual resources, and curate content. Finally, teachers face socio-emotional challenges, issues related to access or availability of resources, digital literacy, and didactic skills in virtual environments, among others.