Trends and challenges of mobile learning in Ecuadorian university students

Authors

  • Cristina Pomboza Floril National University of Chimborazo
  • Margarita Pomboza Floril National University of Chimborazo
  • Ciro Radicelli García National University of Chimborazo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55040/varrxy46

Keywords:

mobile learning, higher education, digital competence, educational innovation, Latin America

Abstract

Mobile learning (m-learning) has emerged as a relevant strategy in higher education, fostering new forms of access, interaction, and knowledge construction. However, in the Ecuadorian context, questions remain regarding its real impact on university teaching practices. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends and challenges of m-learning among university students in Ecuador, through an exploratory descriptive design with a mixed-methods approach. The research involved a sample of 180 students from different semesters and 10 teachers, who completed a structured questionnaire and participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that 91.1% of students own a personal mobile device, 84.5% reported confidently using educational platforms, and 78.9% perceived that m-learning increases their motivation. Nevertheless, 46.7% indicated limitations in advanced digital skills and 39.4% acknowledged frequent distractions during mobile use. Teachers’ interviews confirmed these trends, highlighting persistent connectivity issues, weaknesses in digital content production, and superficial feedback in mobile-mediated interactions. Overall, the results indicate that m-learning in Ecuador is at a stage of partial consolidation: while there are clear advances in accessibility and student motivation, challenges remain regarding connectivity, the development of advanced digital skills, and pedagogical mediation. These findings provide contextualized empirical evidence that may inform innovative pedagogical strategies and institutional policies in higher education.

Author Biographies

  • Cristina Pomboza Floril, National University of Chimborazo

    Cristina Alexandra Pomboza Floril is a research professor at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH, Ecuador). She holds a degree in Systems Engineering from the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, a Master's degree in Educational Informatics from the same institution, and a Master's degree in Intelligence Development and Education from UNACH. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education and Innovation at the University of Research and Innovation of Mexico (UIIN).

    Her career combines educational informatics with pedagogical research, developing projects focused on the use of digital technologies, mobile learning (m-learning), educational innovation, and the integration of ICT in higher education. She also participates in university quality assessment and program accreditation processes, contributing her research experience and teaching practice in the areas of pedagogy, communication, and information technology.

  • Margarita Pomboza Floril, National University of Chimborazo

    Margarita del Rocío Pomboza Floril is a research professor at the National University of Chimborazo (UNACH, Ecuador). She holds a PhD in Design, Manufacturing, and Management of Industrial Projects and a Master's degree in Design Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), as well as a Master's degree in Planning, Evaluation, and Accreditation of Higher Education from the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, where she also earned a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design.

    Her academic experience combines training in design, innovation, and management with educational research, participating in projects aimed at improving the quality of higher education.

  • Ciro Radicelli García, National University of Chimborazo

    Ciro Diego Radicelli García is a research professor at the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo (ESPOCH, Ecuador). He holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from ESPOCH and a Master's degree in Network Interconnectivity from the same institution. He later earned a Master's degree in Communication Technologies, Systems, and Networks and a Doctorate in Telecommunications from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain).

    His academic and professional career focuses on computer systems, telecommunications networks, and technological innovation in higher education. He has developed projects related to digital infrastructure, interconnectivity, and quality in educational processes supported by advanced technologies, contributing to both university teaching and applied research.

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Original papers

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Copyright (c) 2026 Cristina Pomboza Floril, Margarita Pomboza Floril, Ciro Radicelli García

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

How to Cite

Pomboza Floril, C., Pomboza Floril, M. del R., & Radicelli García, C. D. (2026). Trends and challenges of mobile learning in Ecuadorian university students. EDUCA. International Journal for Educational Quality, 6(2), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.55040/varrxy46

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