Gamification and Digital Collaboration as Strategies to Enhance Literacy Skills
Journal
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Information Technology & Systems
ISSN
23673370
Date Issued
2026-08-02
Author(s)
Lozada-Calvache, Raquel
Toasa, Renato
Escobar-Bermudes, Diego
Type
Book chapter
Abstract
Literacy is a key competency for lifelong learning and academic achievement. However, international assessments such as PISA 2022 reveal a sustained decline in reading comprehension, with deeper losses in Latin America and persistent digital divides. In Ecuador, ERCE 2019 results already showed delays in reading and writing, reinforcing the urgency of developing innovative pedagogical strategies. This study analyzed the impact of interactive activities supported by digital tools on literacy skills among elementary school students in Quito. A quasi-experimental design was applied with two groups: an experimental group (n = 31) that participated in an intervention using Canva, Kahoot!, Genially, Google Docs, and Google Meet; and a control group (n = 32) that continued with traditional methods. The intervention lasted twelve weeks and included eight activities aimed at creative reading, collaborative writing, and digital storytelling. Results showed significant improvements in the experimental group (+1.49 points compared to + 0.84 in the control group; p < 0.05). Beyond quantitative gains, increases in motivation, collaboration, and active participation were observed, providing empirical evidence of the relevance of integrating interactive digital strategies to strengthen literacy in Latin American school contexts. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2027.