The effect of using digital simulators on the development of practical skills in students – Metropolitan Lima. Peru

Abstract

This article aims to assess the effect of the use of digital simulators on the development of practical skills in university students. This research follows a quasi-experimental design. The sample was 92 students surveyed, for this reason, they were divided into two groups (experimental group and control group). In the experimental group, 46 students were studied who used digital simulators, while in the control group, with 46 students for evaluation, the traditional methodology was used. Upon performing the analysis, the results show that the use of digital simulators significantly improves the practical skills of the experimental group (p <0.001), with significant increases in problem solving of 27.8%, while their critical thinking was 23.5% and in specific technical skills with 31.2%. When performing a factor analysis, five key dimensions were identified where digital simulators assumed a great effect: technical competence, self-regulation, collaborative work, effective communication and adaptation. In conclusion, the implementation of digital simulators significantly increases the development of practical skills in higher education environments. Finally, we recommend their progressive implementation in educational curricula, providing technical and pedagogical support.