Digital Tools and Personal Learning Environments: An Analysis in Higher Education

José-Antonio García-Martínez, Francisco-César Rosa-Napal, Isabel Romero-Tabeayo, Sara López-Calvo and Eduardo-José Fuentes-Abeledo
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José-Antonio García-Martínez: Research Center in Teaching and Education, Nacional University, Heredia 86300, Costa Rica
Francisco-César Rosa-Napal: Department of Specific Didactics and Research Methods and Diagnosis in Education, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
Isabel Romero-Tabeayo: Department of Applied Didactics, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Sara López-Calvo: Department of Pedagogy and Didactics, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
Eduardo-José Fuentes-Abeledo: Department of Pedagogy and Didactics, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 19, 1-11

Abstract: The effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the discussion surrounding its educational contributions in formal settings are key elements in the analysis of personal learning environments (PLE). The aim of this study was to analyze the tools that students use to access information, create content, and share and interact in the framework of higher education. The study took a quantitative approach, using an ex post facto, transactional design. Data collection was via the application of a questionnaire to a stratified probabilistic sample (n = 1187) of university students on different courses at the National University (Costa Rica). Analysis of the data showed moderate use of tools in students’ PLEs. Students made more frequent use of resources aimed at accessing information, followed by applications for sharing and interacting, and, to a lesser extent, content creation. We also found significant differences in the use of tools depending on sex, previous education in technology, and academic performance. We recommend the inclusion of open, flexible learning strategies in university education which incorporate the various technological resources available in the digital era to ensure the development of PLEs and lifelong learning.

Keywords: ICT; personal learning environment; web 2.0; university students; formal education; higher education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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