diseño de un software educativo para activar la motivación en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la informática, dirigido a estudiantes del segundo año de bachillerato.

Abstract

This research project addresses the effective use of educational gamification in computer science as a strategy to strengthen students' motivation in obtaining knowledge. It highlights the importance of integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) components in today's classrooms, thus improving the interaction between students and teachers, and facilitating the development of digital skills. The research focuses on the design, planning and construction of an online educational software called “EduCraft Connect”. This software acts as a key player in the strengthening of knowledge in the subject of ICT, aimed at students in the second year of high school, in the Private Educational Unit “Alexander” of Machala canton, province of El Oro, during the school year 2023-2024. The main objective is to strengthen the construction of knowledge through an online educational software “EduCraft Connect” offers advantages both for the teacher, by allowing the development of classes with designed and programmed categories, as well as the structuring of contents, and for the students, by promoting greater interaction and motivation in topics related to Database Protection. The contents are based on the guidelines of the Second Year of Baccalaureate, provided by the teacher in charge of the subject. To achieve the proposed objectives, qualitative and quantitative approaches have been adopted. Teacher surveys have been conducted and an observation guide and student surveys have been implemented. This choice is justified by the need to obtain a complete and solid view of the results of the study. Methodological flexibility allows adjustments to be made at any stage of the process. The research seeks to effectively merge technology with a pedagogical perspective in the development of the “EduCraft Connect” prototype. It is intended to obtain reliable data on the effectiveness of the software through continuous evaluation of teachers and students. In the interactions with both the teacher in charge and the students, points for improvement in the prototype interface were identified. However, positive data were collected on the effectiveness of “EduCraft Connect” in strengthening knowledge, demonstrating its ability to motivate and engage students.