Use of virtual learning environments in teaching biology to high school students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1024

Keywords:

Educational technology, science education, biology, academic performance, secondary education.

Abstract

Biology instruction within Ecuador’s Unified General Baccalaureate (Bachillerato General Unificado, BGU) faces challenges related to the integration of digital technologies. This study analyzed the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) in Biology instruction among third-year Baccalaureate students at the Juan Antonio Vega Arboleda Educational Unit through the design and implementation of instructional activities supported by digital tools. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a descriptive and proposal-oriented design with a single-group pre-experimental design involving pretest and posttest measurements. The study population consisted of 77 students. Two questionnaires and an observation guide were administered, all of which had been previously validated through expert review. The student questionnaire and the observation guide demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.819 and 0.802, respectively. To assess the effects of the intervention, knowledge tests were administered before and after the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT), and the results were analyzed using a paired-samples t test in Minitab 18. The findings revealed limited use of ICT, mainly due to inadequate technological infrastructure and insufficient teacher training in digital competencies, despite the students’ favorable disposition toward learning through digital resources. The implementation of tools such as Labster, BioDigital Human, Kahoot, Padlet, Idroo, and Google Forms was associated with high levels of digital skill proficiency (88.3%) and interactivity (100%). Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in academic performance, with a mean increase of 3.052 points between the pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments, t(76) = 11.24, p < 0.001. The study concludes that the planned integration of virtual learning environments promotes active, meaningful, and collaborative learning in Biology.

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References

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Published

2026-07-22

How to Cite

Chavarría Rivas, A. K., & Luzardo Gorozabel , B. P. (2026). Use of virtual learning environments in teaching biology to high school students. ANNALS SCIENTIFIC EVOLUTION, 5(3), 1000–1018. https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1024

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