Patricia Acosta-Vargas

Dr. Patricia Acosta-Vargas

Universidad De Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

11Years (2016-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 July 2023 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LRLena Ivannova Ruiz - Rojas
Lena Ivannova Ruiz - Rojas
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
JDJavier De-Moreta-Llovet
Javier De-Moreta-Llovet
Mario Gonzalez-RodriguezMario Gonzalez-Rodriguez
Mario Gonzalez-Rodriguez
This study focuses on the potential of generative artificial intelligence tools in education, particularly through the practical application of the 4PADAFE instructional design matrix. The objective was to evaluate how these tools, in combination with the matrix, can enhance education and improve the teaching–learning process. Through surveys conducted with teachers from the University of ESPE Armed Forces who participated in the MOOC course “Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools for Education: GPT Chat Techniques”, the study explores the impact of these tools on education. The findings reveal that generative artificial intelligence tools are crucial in developing massive MOOC virtual classrooms when integrated with an instructional design matrix. The results demonstrate the potential of generative artificial intelligence tools in university education. By utilizing these tools in conjunction with an instructional design matrix, educators can design and deliver personalized and enriching educational experiences. The devices offer opportunities to enhance the teaching–learning process and tailor educational materials to individual needs, ultimately preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. The study concludes that generative artificial intelligence tools have significant potential in education. They provide innovative ways to engage students, adapt content, and promote personalized learning. Implementing the 4PADAFE instructional design matrix further enhances the effectiveness and coherence of educational activities. By embracing these technological advancements, education can stay relevant and effectively meet the digital world’s challenges.

24 June 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LRLena Ivannova Ruiz - Rojas
Lena Ivannova Ruiz - Rojas
Luis Salvador-UllauriLuis Salvador-Ullauri
Luis Salvador-Ullauri
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
This study explores the impact of generative artificial intelligence tools on critical thinking and collaboration among university students, highlighting the importance of investigating these technologies due to their increasing integration into higher education and their potential to transform traditional pedagogical practices. A predominantly female sample was surveyed to assess their familiarity with and experience and perceptions of these tools. A total of 87% of the respondents had prior knowledge of generative AI tools, with 38% using them occasionally. Among the most popular tools are Canva 2024 (33%), Chat PDF (26%), and YOU.COM (24%). Additionally, 64% of the respondents believe that these tools significantly improve their critical thinking ability. Despite their high familiarity with and occasional use of these tools, the need for continuous training and technical support was identified. While generative AI tools show promising potential for enhancing collaboration and critical thinking in higher education, previous research has limitations, such as the lack of longitudinal data and the inadequacy in addressing ethical considerations and potential biases. More comprehensive research is needed to understand their long-term impact better and maximize their potential benefits.

19 June 2018 in IEEE Access
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
Tania AcostaTania Acosta
Tania Acosta
SLSergio Lujan-Mora
Sergio Lujan-Mora
The Web has revolutionized our daily lives, becoming a prime source of information, knowledge, inquiry, and provision of services in various areas. It is possible to obtain information easily from any institution through the Internet; in fact, the first impression of an organization an individual perceives is almost always based on its official website. Services related to education are increasing worldwide; therefore, it is important that users, regardless of their disabilities, be able to access these websites in an effective manner. However, the homepages of universities in Latin America still do not meet web accessibility criteria. This paper describes the problems of web accessibility identified in 348 main university websites in Latin America according to their rankings on Webometrics. The results show that the universities' websites have frequent problems related to the lack of alternative image text. It was found that the university websites included in the present study violate Web accessibility requirements based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. The many problems identified concerning Website accessibility indicate that it is necessary to strengthen Web accessibility policies in each country and apply better directives in this area to make Websites more inclusive.

2 September 2019 in IEEE Access
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
LSLuis Antonio Salvador-Ullauri
Luis Antonio Salvador-Ullauri
Sergio Luján-MoraSergio Luján-Mora
Sergio Luján-Mora
Checking the accessibility of a website is a significant challenge for accessibility experts. Users who suffer from age-related changes, such as low vision, poor hearing, and diminishing motor skills, among others, have problems accessing the services offered by the web. Currently, there are qualitative and quantitative methods to check if a website is accessible. Most methods apply automatic tools because they are low cost, but they do not present an ideal solution. Instead, heuristic methods require manual support that will help the expert to assess accessibility by establishing severity ranges. This research used a modification of the Barrier Walkthrough method proposed by Giorgio Brajnik considering the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. The modification consisted of including persistence to determine the severity of an accessibility barrier. This method enabled the measurement of the accessibility of websites to test a new heuristic process and to obtain sample data for analysis. The method was applied to 40 websites, including those of 30 universities in Latin America, according to the Webometrics ranking, and 10 websites among the most visited, according to Alexa ranking. With this heuristic method, the evaluators concluded that although a website is in a high-ranking position, this does not imply that it is accessible and inclusive. However, the manual method takes too long, and it is therefore too costly to solve accessibility problems. This research can serve as a starting point for future studies related to web accessibility heuristics.

CLCésar Larrea-Araujo
César Larrea-Araujo
JAJosé Ayala-Granja
José Ayala-Granja
Andrea Vinueza-CabezasAndrea Vinueza-Cabezas
Andrea Vinueza-Cabezas
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, guidelines for people’s confinement have been implemented to prevent the disease’s spread. As a result of this, companies have implemented teleworking as an emerging way to work from home using information technology. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ecuador, with a sample of 204 teleworkers in the city of Quito. The results show that the teleworkers rearranged their bedrooms to carry out their activities. The respondents in each age group stated they did not perceive more significant ailments than those experienced before beginning teleworking. The relationships between the variables were analyzed utilizing the Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test, finding a relationship between neck ailments and age of p = 0.031 * and between arm/forearm ailments of p = 0.032 *. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the ergonomic situation of the teleworkers and provides us with information to mitigate the ergonomic risks to which they are exposed.

18 February 2025 in Administrative Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OLOscar López-Solís
Oscar López-Solís
ALAlberto Luzuriaga
Alberto Luzuriaga
Mayra Bedoya-JaraMayra Bedoya-Jara
Mayra Bedoya-Jara
JNJoselito Naranjo-Santamaría
Joselito Naranjo-Santamaría
Diego Bonilla-JuradoDiego Bonilla-Jurado
Diego Bonilla-Jurado
Patricia Acosta-VargasPatricia Acosta-Vargas
Patricia Acosta-Vargas
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is emerging as a promising tool with which to improve strategic decision-making in a business environment characterized by increasing complexity. There are external and internal factors that are part of the success of entrepreneurial initiatives. Relevant factors that make decision-making effective include the technological environment, as an external factor, and innovation, as an internal factor. Methods: This study reviews the existing literature on implementing GAI in business decision-making. It assesses its short-, medium- and long-term effects, considering the interaction between GAI and human judgment. Challenges related to uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity are examined, and the relevant literature is reviewed to understand these aspects comprehensively. Results: The review shows that, despite the advanced capabilities of GAI to analyze data and generate patterns, human judgment remains crucial in situations of high uncertainty. The results suggest that combining GAI with human expertise can improve the accuracy and efficiency of strategic decision-making by integrating the strengths of both parties. Conclusions: The implementation of GAI can offer significant improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of business decisions. However, human judgment and experience remain essential, especially in uncertain contexts. The key to maximizing the benefits of GAI lies in finding the right balance between artificial intelligence and human capital.
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