Competencias docentes frente a la virtualidad en la carrera de educación básica en la Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE

Abstract

Teaching competencies in Higher Education are crucial for instruction, especially in virtual environments. In 2018, the University of the Armed Forces ESPE became the first institution in Ecuador to offer online programs. This study focused on students in online Basic Education programs, evaluating competencies such as communication, tutoring, assessment, research, innovation, professional identity, collaborative culture, leadership, motivation, and digital skills. The results obtained serve as a starting point to promote innovative activities in teaching and strengthen teaching competencies in professional development. It was observed that students from the third to fifth levels evaluated teaching competencies with lower scores, demonstrating a more critical perspective from a didactic and pedagogical standpoint. Additionally, it was identified that the most prominent competencies were communication, collaboration, and digital skills. These results highlight the importance of enhancing teaching competencies to ensure quality education in the virtual realm.