Percepción estudiantil sobre la gestión institucional de la modalidad online en universidades de Guayaquil durante el periodo 2023 – 2025

Abstract

The present investigation analyzes student perception of institutional management in the online learning modality at universities in Guayaquil during the 2023–2025 period. The topic is justified because higher education has changed quickly with digital technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced institutions to rely on virtual teaching. The main objective was to examine how institutional management, perceived usefulness, and ease of use influence the overall evaluation of online education. The methodology was based on a quantitative descriptive approach, complemented with qualitative interviews with experts. The sample included 384 students from four universities in Guayaquil, calculated with Cochran’s formula for large populations, as well as three specialists linked to online education. Results show that institutional management received the highest score (M = 3.82), followed by perceived usefulness (M = 3.79) and ease of use (M = 3.77). The overall evaluation was positive, although differences were found in access and in the quality of technical support. It is concluded that universities have advanced in organizing academic and technological processes, but they still need to reinforce strategies to reduce inequalities and ensure more equitable experiences. The study provides practical information to improve the quality of online higher education and to support institutional decision-making.