Aplicación móvil educativa con gamificación para fortalecer el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de 9 egb de la asignatura de Lengua y Literatura de la Unidad Educativa Machala

Abstract

The present degree project addresses the use of gamification as a strategy to strengthen learning in 9th-grade EGB students in the subject of Language and Literature at Unidad Educativa Machala. Given the growing influence of technology in education, an educational mobile application called APAAPP was developed, designed to improve understanding and application of APA citation norms through an interactive and engaging approach. The research follows a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A classroom needs assessment was conducted, identifying that students face difficulties in correctly applying citation norms. In response, a prototype was designed based on the FlutterFlow platform, integrating interactive activities, quizzes, and reward systems to encourage autonomous learning. The study bases its proposal on pedagogical theories such as experiential learning and post-constructivist education, highlighting the importance of active interaction in the teaching-learning process. From a technological perspective, the application leverages the accessibility of mobile devices and the advantages of digital learning to create a more dynamic and personalized environment. To evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype, two practical experiences were conducted with students and teachers. The results showed a significant improvement in motivation, participation, and understanding of APA norms, demonstrating that gamification facilitates the assimilation of complex concepts. Additionally, the implementation of tools such as Genially and interactive activities within the application proved to be key elements in enhancing the learning experience. It is concluded that the use of gamification in educational environments not only promotes the learning of APA norms but also contributes to the development of students' digital and cognitive skills. It is recommended to continue exploring and improving the application, considering future updates to optimize its content and functionalities.