Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
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Preferred name
Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
Main Affiliation
Quito
Email
hugoarias@uti.edu.ec
ORCID
Scopus Author ID
57210802646

Research Output
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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Publication

Artificial Intelligence and Assistive Technologies: A Systematic Review of Educational Applications for Disabilities

2025 , Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio , Valencia-Aragón, Kevin , Tania Calle-Jimenez , Sandra Sanchez-Gordon

The global population of individuals with disabilities, representing 15% of the world’s people, faces significant challenges in accessing higher education due to insufficient accessibility and persistent discrimination. This paper aims to evaluate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and assistive technologies in higher education to improve learning experiences for students with disabilities. Despite advancements in AI, only a small proportion of students with disabilities report satisfaction with existing inclusion efforts. Through a systematic review of the scientific literature from 2019 to 2023, this study examines the current use of AI in higher education, focusing on its application to enhance accessibility, personalized learning, and support for students with disabilities. The research highlights key areas such as intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning, and the role of educational technologies in fostering inclusion. While AI and assistive technologies hold great potential, challenges including ethical concerns, biases, and the low adoption rate of assistive technologies remain. The findings emphasize the need for further research to ensure that AI fosters genuine inclusion rather than exacerbating exclusion, urging continued efforts in developing more accessible educational environments for all students.

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Publication

Promoting Water Culture Through Augmented Reality and Gamified Experiences

2025 , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio , Piedra Ansatuña, Mario , Marcos Chacón-Castro

This article examines the design and development process of interactive and immersive learning environments focused on conservation, management and responsible use of water. Using the Game Thinking methodology, interdisciplinary groups were formed, consisting of students from three different Master’s programs, along with designers, programmers, experts from the Quito Metropolitan Public Water and Sanitation Company (EPMAPS), and members of Foundation for the Support of Sustainable Development in Ecuador (FADSE). A total of 135 participants contributed diverse perspectives in education, user experience, technology, and sustainability. The objective was to develop proposals that would connect with children, young people, and adults to raise awareness about responsible water use, the consequences of waste, the contamination of water sources and simulate the consequences of water decisions in urban and rural environments. The study demonstrated that master’s students can play a significant role in addressing real urban challenges and that, when properly guided, their ideas can lead to innovative solutions aligned with emerging technologies. The developed solutions were evaluated by the students themselves alongside their peers, revealing that interactive tools not only promote active participation but also strengthen the emotional connection with the new water culture. Furthermore, the project emphasized accessibility, scalability, and cultural relevance, ensuring inclusive and sustainable educational solutions. In the future, the study will aim to assess the impact of these initiatives on public awareness and behavior.

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