Impacto de entornos virtuales en la inclusión y retención de estudiantes vulnerables en educación superior

Overview & Synopsis

This study examines how virtual environments influence the inclusion and retention of students in vulnerable situations within higher education, a crucial issue for achieving greater educational equity. Its main objective is to investigate how online learning platforms can help these students to participate and remain in their academic programs, often facing various socioeconomic as well as technological barriers. A mixed methodological approach involving surveys and interviews targeting students and teachers from different educational institutions was used, providing detailed insights into the experiences and difficulties they face. The findings suggest that, while virtual environments provide flexibility and access to educational materials, they also present important limitations, such as the lack of training in technology and the risk of social isolation, which can negatively impact student retention. It is concluded that the adoption of inclusive strategies can enrich the educational experience of students, favoring their inclusion. This analysis underlines the importance of a comprehensive approach offered by virtual education.