Beyond the classroom: The influence of Digital Learning Communities on the development of research competencies in university students.
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Abstract
The main purpose of the study is to analyze the development of research competencies in university students through a training strategy based on a Digital Learning Community (DCDA). A mixed approach of an explanatory sequential type was used, combining Likert-type questionnaires applied before and after their participation, as well as open questions to collect the experience in a narrative way. The participants were students from different careers of a single Salvadoran university, who developed their undergraduate training activities in 5 different chairs during the period between January 2024 and June 2025. The findings showed significant improvements in the five dimensions of research competence proposed for this study: cognitive, methodological, communicative, collaborative and digital. The average increase in the competencies analyzed was more than 75%, highlighting advances in problem formulation, analysis of scientific information, academic writing, and use of digital tools. On a qualitative level, the students expressed substantial transformations in their way of understanding and living research. In addition, they recognized the CDDA as an environment of accompaniment and co-creation of knowledge. Among the products generated by the participants were research projects, social innovation projects, academic essays, scientific articles, papers and scientific posters. As a conclusion, it was determined that the experience of participating in a DCDA allowed a greater development of research competencies, and generated a change in the perception of learning related to scientific research among the university students participating in the experience.
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