Google Site as a gamification resource center for asynchronous learning

Introduction. The lack of electricity in countries such as Ecuador makes it difficult to integrate modern educational tools and perpetuates a cycle of educational disadvantages. These outages affect the continuity of learning and impact the motivation and general well-being of learners. Objective. To generate a teaching strategy based on Google Site as a gamification resource center for asynchronous learning. Methodology. It has a quantitative, non-experimental approach; basic, based on its objective, descriptive according to its scope; documentary and field based according to its design; and, according to its temporality, it is transversal. The population was 38 first-year learners of the "Higher Technology in Penitentiary Security" degree from the night shift, at the Juan Bautista Aguirre Higher Technological Institute, who receive classes asynchronously due to power outages and who used Google Site, to whom a questionnaire of twelve questions was applied. Results. Students consider Google Sites to have an intuitive and easy-to-use design, they favor good organization of content, they find value in gamification as an effective strategy to increase their motivation; and they believe that using the activities offered in Google Sites can improve their grades. A teaching strategy based on Google Site was designed as a gamification resource center for asynchronous learning. Conclusion. The study highlights the effectiveness of Google Sites as a valuable tool for asynchronous learning in the "Higher Technology in Penitentiary Security" degree. Through the implementation of a teaching strategy focused on gamification, not only the motivation and commitment of students has been promoted, but also their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. General area of study: education. Specific area of study: educational technology. Type of article: original.

Ingrid Elizabeth Borja Peña, Diana Carolina Cedeño Barragán, María Alejandrina Nivela Cornejo , César Ricardo Castillo Montufar

6-28

ARCO rights regarding the processing of personal data in the institutions of the popular and solidarity financial system in the province of Azuay

Introduction: The Institutions of the Popular and Solidarity Financial System in Ecuador, province of Azuay, are in a continuous process of digital transformation to comply with the provisions of the Organic Law on Personal Data Protection - LOPDP. The regulatory framework and the guidelines of the controlling body contain specific guidelines for the use, treatment, storage and circulation of personal information, guaranteeing the security and protection of data; Likewise, the adoption of these provisions will be based on the development of an administrative protection system that will ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability in the treatment of personal and organizational data. Objectives: The investigation is part of determining compliance with the provisions of the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data in the institutions of the Popular and Solidarity Financial System of the province of Azuay, in relation to the Methodological Guide for the exercise of the Rights to Access, Rectification, Cancellation and Opposition of Personal Data (ARCO) of the supervisory body. This guide establishes that the holders of personal data can exercise the ARCO rights, as specified in the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data and the Policy for the Treatment and Protection of Personal Data. Methodology: A mixed research approach is used, starting with a quantitative analysis to determine the status of organizations in terms of data protection, then a qualitative analysis with a descriptive modality, to establish the level of compliance with the regulatory framework and guidelines of the supervisory body. The deductive method is also used, with a research technique (survey) and study population (cooperatives surveyed within the province of Azuay), as well as inclusion criteria using the condition of active institution within the financial system in the province during the study period. Without specific exclusion criteria. Results: There was a lack of effective mechanisms to ensure informed consent of data subjects, with no precise guidelines to demonstrate how cooperatives transmit information to data subjects, nor better developed protocols to manage information security. In addition, there is no clear and accessible information on the rights of data subjects and mechanisms they can use to exercise these rights. Conclusions: The legal and ethical implications determined that the development of ARCO Rights in Ecuadorian legislation requires a thorough analysis that establishes an evident improvement regarding the expansion of the regulations on the protection of personal data and the right that data owners have to legally demand in the treatment of their information, without unnecessary formalities that complicate the procedure and a clear standardized guide for all future processes, so the LOPDP, which represents a comprehensive advance in the procedural standards for the intervention of data owners together with the person in charge of these, containing the meaning, requirements, use and procedure of the rights of Access, Rectification, Cancellation and Opposition, guaranteeing the right to privacy and the right to informational self-determination. Likewise, it is recommended to cover deficiencies that may have negative consequences in the future with respect to the treatment of personal data and the use of ARCO Rights. General area of study: Law. Specific area of study: Civil Law and Technology. Type of study: Mixed, ARCO Rights.

Marcel Eugenio Villavicencio Quinde, Mónica Cecibel Gallegos Avendaño, David Alexander Gallegos Torres, Michelle Stephanie Gallegos Torres, Juan Francisco Luzuriaga Andrade

29-49

Organizational climate and job performance: the case of the Decentralized Autonomous Municipal Government of La Libertad

Introduction: This research deals with how the work environment affects the fulfillment of the goals of Gad La Libertad, for this purpose the problems that affect its operation were determined, such as: unmotivated personnel, their academic degrees are not considered for the position they hold, there is no adequate salary-workload relationship, labor persecution if they are not aligned with the policies and procedures of the authorities on duty. Objectives: To determine how the work environment affects the fulfillment of the goals of the Municipal GAD of the canton of La Libertad, province of Santa Elena. Methodology: The methodology to be used for the collection of information was quantitative through surveys, which were applied to 249 workers of the institution, obtaining clear and concrete answers about the current problems; therefore, their performance and development. Results: The correlations that exist in the hypotheses were established, such as leadership, communication, implementation of strategies together with the fulfillment of goals of the personnel who work at Gad La Libertad, being high and medium positive correlations. Conclusions: The research allowed us to establish the existing correlations between the variable’s leadership, communication, implementation of strategies with the fulfillment of goals, determining that they are closely related to each other. General area of study: Administration. Specific area of study: Organizational Climate. Type of article: Systematic bibliographic review.

José Carlos Molina Vera

50-66

Advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of simplified joint-stock companies in public procurement in Ecuador

Introduction. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are fundamental for economic development, standing out in employment and innovation. Their legal organization, such as Simplified Corporations (SAS), facilitates their sustainability and access to markets. This study analyzes the advantages and challenges of SAS in Ecuadorian public procurement. Objectives.  The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of Simplified Public Limited Companies (S.A.S.), addressing their main advantages and disadvantages. Methodology.  The methodology was based on a qualitative approach, using an exhaustive review of Ecuadorian scientific and regulatory literature, complemented by the analysis of documented cases. Results. Among the main results, benefits such as administrative simplification, cost reduction, and promotion of supplier diversity were identified, as well as disadvantages related to unequal competition, supervisory risks, and concerns about the technical quality of the awarded works. Conclusions. The study concluded that, although SAS represents a valuable tool to democratize access to the public market, their implementation requires regulatory adjustments that mitigate risks and promote more equitable competition. In this way, it seeks to maximize its benefits, while guaranteeing economic sustainability and quality in public procurement processes. General area of study: Administrative Sciences. Specific area of study: Public Procurement. Item type: Original.

Johnny Javier Pacheco Pacheco, Herman Christian Zúñiga Muñoz

67-88

Microenterprise resilience in Loja - Ecuador (2020-2024): Key factor to survive crises

Introduction:  The consequences caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the war in Ukraine, high rates of insecurity and prolonged power outages caused negative effects on the economy of Ecuadorian companies. Objective: To analyze organizational resilience as a key factor for surviving crises in microenterprises in the city of Loja - Ecuador (2020-2024). Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional approach was used, in which 34 microenterprise owners participated. To measure resilience capacity, an expert questionnaire was designed and Kendall's W was applied to evaluate the degree of agreement, which allows understanding the difficulties and developing effective strategies to overcome the crisis. Results: The findings reveal a clear correlation between the lack of financial and energy resources, the absence of contingency plans, insufficient staff training, and the low adaptability of microenterprises. Specifically, the results show that these deficiencies limit the capacity of the enterprises to respond effectively to crises, putting their survival at risk. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is an urgent need to implement strategies to strengthen organizational resilience in microenterprises, including financing capacity, diversification of energy sources, development of sound contingency plans, and investment in continuous training programs. General area of study: Management. Specific area of study: Business Administration and Management. Type of study: Original articles

Jenny Marisol Quevedo Rivera , Glen Freddy Robayo Cabrera

89-104

Teaching strategy to improve the performance of technical high school students

Introduction: among the didactic strategies used in active methodologies is the flipped classroom. Objective: the objective of this research was the application of this didactic strategy to improve the performance of students at the technical high school of the General Medardo Alfaro Educational Unit. Methodology: a quasi-experimental design was used using two groups: a control group, with the conditions of the traditional educational model, and an experimental one, in which the strategy was applied. The population consisted of 90 students and the randomly selected sample was 40 third-year students of the technical baccalaureate. Among the methods for data collection, continuous evaluations were applied to measure school performance, a pre-test and a post-test to students. In addition, the survey of students and the interview of teachers of the institution were used to collect qualitative data about the perception of the methodology implemented. For the processing of the data, the percentage analysis of the results obtained with the application of the instruments was applied as a statistical method. Results: as a result, the members of the experimental group obtained an improvement in their performance, that is, they significantly understood the basic concepts and applied them in practice. At the same time, motivation, the immediate response of participatory activities and their performance improved. Conclusion: the implementation of the flipped classroom in the technical high school of the "General Medardo Alfaro" Educational Unit improved student performance, favoring content comprehension, motivation and meaningful learning. However, challenges such as unequal access to technological resources and teacher resistance were identified, which require training and solutions for a more inclusive environment. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Flipped classroom in the technical baccalaureate. Item type: Original.

Kevin Valentín Padilla Zamora, Maritza Lorena Aguinda Aguinda, Segress García Hevia, Marbel Guilarte Legrá

105-120

Gamification as a teaching strategy for learning the subject of biology

Introduction: gamification, as a didactic strategy, has emerged in the current educational context to address the limitations of traditional methods, particularly in complex areas such as biology, where abstract concepts tend to demotivate students. This innovative approach integrates elements of play, such as rewards and levels, with the purpose of fostering active, meaningful, and engaging learning. Objectives: Based on this premise, the study aimed to determine how gamification influences the motivation and academic performance of students in the first year of high school in the subject of biology in the "17 de September" Educational Unit. To answer this question, a mixed research methodology with a quasi-experimental design was adopted. Methodology: The research included an experimental group, which participated in gamified activities, and a control group, which continued with traditional methods. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, observation guides, and rating analysis. Digital tools such as Educaplay and Quizizz, integrated into the Google Classroom platform, were used to design and manage the gamified activities. Results: The results show that the students in the experimental group demonstrated greater interest, active participation and autonomous learning compared to the control group. This was reflected in a significant increase in their academic performance, with an average of 9.11 compared to 8.45. Elements such as feedback and levels stood out as key factors to strengthen intrinsic motivation and content comprehension, even outweighing the impact of competition and rewards. In addition, teachers identified notable improvements in student engagement, who positively valued this methodology in contrast to traditional methods. Conclusions: In conclusion, gamification proves to be an effective strategy to transform the teaching of Biology in the context of high school. By promoting dynamic and personalized learning, this methodology not only improves academic performance, but also motivates students and facilitates their active involvement in the educational process. These findings underscore the need to continue exploring and implementing innovative strategies that respond to the demands of the 21st century, ensuring a more inclusive and meaningful education for all. General area of study: Educational Sciences. Specific area of study: Didactics of Biology. Type of item: original.

Sonia María Orozco Aveiga, Elena Margarita Ulloa Espinoza, Efraín Velastegui López, Tatiana Tapia Batidas

121-137