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Music Education with Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Early Childhood Learning

2025 , Margarita Roldan-Cardona , Marcos Chacón-Castro , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Luis Salvador-Ullauri , Patricia Acosta-Vargas

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a didactic strategy that incorporates generative artificial intelligence (AI) into music education, supporting oral language development in preschool children and promoting inclusive and sustainable early childhood learning. Using an action-research approach, a mixed-methods design was applied to assess the performance of 15 children aged 3 to 6 years, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in AI-supported activities using tools such as Genially, Educaplay, and Wordwall, whereas the control group employed traditional methods. Quantitative data from pre-and post-tests, as well as qualitative observations, revealed that AI-enhanced sessions improved motivation, pronunciation, and engagement, particularly among children aged 5 and 6 years old. Although statistical tests showed no significant differences between groups, the intervention demonstrated pedagogical effectiveness by increasing interest and participation. The novelty of this work lies in applying generative AI in early music education to personalize learning and reduce inequality, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 9, and 10). The findings offer valuable insights into designing inclusive educational experiences through the integration of ICT and AI, highlighting the need to enhance teacher training in emerging digital pedagogies and promote accessible music-based learning in diverse educational settings.

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Design Thinking, Game Thinking, and Democracy Thinking

2025 , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Maria Elena Cruz-Artieda

Democracy is a fundamental value for every citizen, which has to do with human rights, societal development, peace, and security. Unfortunately, in recent times, it has faced ethical challenges at various levels, from the educational environment to political actors. It is imperative to inculcate these values from childhood, with the aim of sensitizing future generations to the importance of democratic governance, highlighting its values and principles as fundamental to achieving active participation, equality, security, and integral development in society. This study presents an experience with 150 primary and secondary school teachers who, through the application of Design Thinking and Game Thinking, collaborated in the design of educational resources supported by technology in order to promote the values and principles of democracy. The result of this process included the creation of interactive books, electronic voting systems, board games, and Escape Rooms that immersively encapsulate concepts and practices related to honesty and good practices of human beings. The purpose of these resources was to cultivate an interactive educational approach committed to democratic values. This initiative allowed teachers to immerse themselves in innovative and participatory educational experiences, thus enriching learning through interactivity and commitment to democratic principles.

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Web-based pulmonary telehabilitation: a systematic review

2024 , Ayala-Chauvin, Manuel Ignacio , Chicaiza Claudio, Fernando , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Verónica Maldonado-Garcés , Esteban Ortiz-Prado , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Mayra Carrión-Toro , Marco Santórum , Mario Gonzalez-Rodriguez , Camila Madera , Wilmer Esparza

Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation (WBPTR) can serve as a valuable tool when access to conventional care is limited. This review assesses a series of studies that explore pulmonary telerehabilitation programmes delivered via web-based platforms. The studies involved participants with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Of the 3190 participants, 1697 engaged in WBPTR platforms, while the remaining 1493 comprised the control groups. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation led to an increase in daily step count (MD 446.66, 95% CI 96.47 to 796.86), though this did not meet the minimum clinically important difference. Additionally, WBPTR did not yield significant improvements in the six-minute walking test (MD 5.01, 95% CI − 5.19 to 15.21), health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (MD − 0.15, 95% CI − 2.24 to 1.95), or the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD 0.17, 95% CI − 0.13 to 0.46). Moreover, there was no significant improvement in dyspnoea-related health status, as assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.29 to 0.27) or the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MD − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.43 to 0.14). Based on these findings, this review concludes that WBPTR does not offer substantial advantages over traditional care. While slight improvements in exercise performance were observed, no meaningful enhancements were noted in dyspnoea or quality of life metrics. Overall, WBPTR remains a complementary and accessible option for managing and monitoring COPD patients. However, further research and innovation are required to improve its efficacy and adapt it to various clinical environments.

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Web Accessibility in Latin American Universities: A Path to Global Rankings and Digital Inclusion

2025 , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Belen Salvador-Acosta , Marcos Chacon-Castro , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

Web accessibility is increasingly recognized as a key factor in assessing higher education institutions’ quality, inclusion, and social responsibility. This topic is particularly relevant in Latin America, where significant disparities in digital equity and access to resources persist. This study analyzes the web accessibility of the top 20 Latin American universities based on their rankings in QS World University Rankings, Webometrics, SCImago Institutions Rankings, and Times Higher Education (THE). Using automated and manual assessment tools, including WAVE, PageSpeed ​​​​Insights, and expert assessments, the study identifies 434 contrast errors, 210 missing text alternatives, and 262 navigation issues on university websites. The results show that universities such as USP, UNAM, and Unicamp rank high in international rankings but have critical accessibility deficiencies, highlighting the gap between digital visibility and inclusion. By aligning with WCAG 2.2 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), universities can improve global competitiveness while fostering digital inclusion. This research proposes a structured framework to promote accessibility through a seven-phase methodology, addressing barriers, implementing improvements, and validating effectiveness. The findings provide a systematic approach for universities to optimize accessibility, improve user experience, and strengthen their international positioning

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Addressing Web Accessibility Challenges with Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools for Inclusive Education

2024 , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Belén Salvador-Acosta , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

This article addresses the comprehensive evaluation of web accessibility in 20 generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, through a five-phase approach. Common issues were identified, including inadequate image descriptions, lack of semantic structures, and keyboard navigation challenges. Despite the inherent complexity of generative tools, the importance of evaluating their accessibility to ensure the inclusion of users with diverse abilities is emphasized. The WAVE automatic tool was used to identify issues, and future directions are proposed, such as improving image descriptions and optimizing keyboard navigation. The most significant accessibility challenges are linked to minimal contrast, representing 38%, followed by issues in easy-To-read font and text alternatives, both at 15%, associated with the perceptible principle. The discussion covers areas for improvement, ethical implications, and strategies to foster continuous enhancement in generative AI accessibility, highlighting the importance of balancing benefits and ethical challenges. Future research includes developing techniques for automatically generating consistent image descriptions, refining semantic structures, and optimizing keyboard navigation. Additionally, it is imperative to improve automatic accessibility evaluation tools to address the unique challenges of generative AI applications.

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Evaluating Web Accessibility in Countries Included in the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index

2025 , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Belén Salvador-Acosta , Mauricio Loachamín-Valencia , Marcos Chacón-Castro , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Luis Salvador-Ullauri

This study examines the relationship between the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) and the Web Accessibility Index (WAIN) in 19 Latin American countries to evaluate how technological innovation aligns with digital inclusivity. Results reveal notable disparities: Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil excel in both indices, whereas Jamaica and Venezuela face critical challenges. Significantly, high scores in artificial intelligence adoption do not always correlate with improved web accessibility, underscoring the need for integrated strategies that prioritize compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 and inclusive design. The research highlights accessibility as a fundamental pillar for sustainable digital ecosystems and equitable access to technology. Limitations include the regional focus on Latin America, the reliance on automated tools, and the dynamic nature of technology. Future research should incorporate longitudinal analyses, user-centered evaluations, and comparative studies across diverse regions to develop comprehensive frameworks that are grounded in empirical evidence. By aligning technological progress with inclusivity, this study emphasizes the importance of fostering sustainable and accessible digital environments. Recommendations include adopting accessibility standards in early development stages, enhancing public policy, and prioritizing universal design. These steps are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive institutions. This work is a foundation for advancing equitable digital ecosystems in Latin America.