Optimizing Learning in Microbiology: Evaluation of the Impact of Information and Communication Technologies

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant challenges in education, including high student dropout rates and low academic performance, prompting an urgent need to enhance educational standards involving all stakeholders in the teaching-learning process. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been recognized as essential tools for creating effective and didactic learning environments. However, in Bolivia, there is a lack of documented evidence on the implementation and impact of ICT in education. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the use and impact of ICT in a theoretical-practical discipline such as Microbiology. It utilized an exploratory, quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional analysis of perceptions gathered through a survey administered to students. The sample comprised 43 students from the Biochemistry and Pharmacy program at Universidad del Valle – La Paz Campus, who studied Microbiology during the second semester of 2022 and voluntarily participated by providing informed consent. The sample selection was non-probabilistic and convenience-based. Analysis of student responses revealed that approximately 75% of students were familiar with ICT. Moreover, 81.40% of students reported that integrating ICT into academic activities had improved their academic performance. Additionally, students indicated that ICT was implemented by teaching staff in 46.6% of cases, with appropriate ICT selection observed in 53.45% of cases. These findings highlight the positive impact of ICT use in educational settings. Further research is recommended to assess the effectiveness of various technological tools in current teaching-learning processes, aiming to refine educational methodologies and enhance comprehensive professional training.