Núñez Torres, María Giovanna
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Preferred name
Núñez Torres, María Giovanna
Main Affiliation
Ambato
Email
giovannanunez@uti.edu.ec
ORCID
Scopus Author ID
58558506800

Research Output
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ICT-Based Game: An Alternative to Promote Healthy Eating in Ecuadorian Children Using User-Centred Design

2025 , Amaluisa Rendón, Paulina Magally , Núñez Torres, María Giovanna , Aguayza Mendieta, Carlos

Inadequate nutrition in Ecuadorian children leads to various physical, cognitive, and biological issues. However, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has become established in raising awareness and promoting beneficial eating behaviours. This research, conducted at the Indo-America Educational Unit during the 2022-2023 academic year in Ambato, Ecuador, aimed to compare the effectiveness of a guide text versus a didactic game in enhancing knowledge about healthy eating among fifth-grade students in Natural Sciences. The study involved 87 fifth-grade students, divided into two groups: Group 1, consisting of 42 students, and Group 2, consisting of 45 students. The teacher of Group 1 used traditional methods (reading and writing from the text), while the teacher of Group 2 employed a game called Flavour Puzzle. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in knowledge and motivation for students using the game-based method. Specifically, students in Group 2 showed a 26% greater improvement in knowledge levels compared to those in Group 1, and their motivation levels were nearly three times higher (89% vs. 30%). The results indicate that the game-based method has a clear comparative advantage over traditional text-based instruction, as it not only facilitated teaching but also enhanced socialization and engagement among students. Technological resources like Flavour Puzzle are more engaging for students and should be utilized as both recreational and educational tools in teaching Natural Sciences at the school level.

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Active Learning Strategies in Geometry: Effectiveness of a Gamified Digital Application at the Upper Basic Level

2025 , Ruiz Vega, Andrés , Espinosa Pinos, Carlos Alberto , Núñez Torres, María Giovanna

This research addresses the low effectiveness of traditional methodologies in teaching geometry to students of higher basic education, which has contributed to the low performance in mathematical competencies. In view of this situation, the implementation of a gamified digital application is proposed to promote a more participatory and meaningful learning. The type of sampling is non-probabilistic by convenience, so 99 students were considered. The research technique used is the survey addressed to students. The instruments used were: a questionnaire to determine the methodological strategies currently used by teachers; and a written test to measure the level of geometric reasoning according to Van Hiele. Both instruments were validated in content and construct by means of the expert judgment technique. The results obtained show that the use of traditional strategies predominates in the process of learning geometry in the classroom, and that 92% of the students, regarding their level of geometric reasoning, are at level 2 (low) out of 6 (complete); This can be corroborated by the significant differences between the pre-test and post-test after the application of the gamified tool; therefore, it is concluded that this proposal is valid to be implemented in traditional educational scenarios and thus ensure meaningful learning of geometry at the upper elementary level.

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