Estudio comparativo de la educación en línea de la UTPL (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja) y otras instituciones de educación superior del país

Abstract

Abstract:.This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of distance education at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) and other higher education institutions in Ecuador, focusing on identifying key areas and differentiating aspects. The study covers five Ecuadorian universities: UTPL, UEES, ESPE, UTE, and UPS, which offer programs in this format. The results show that UTPL is positioned as one of the leading institutions in the field of online education nationwide, supported by an advanced technological infrastructure and an innovative pedagogical model. All institutions have integrated information and communication technologies (ICTs), adapting to the growing student demand for more flexible educational programs. This analysis reveals specific strengths and weaknesses of each university, which has allowed for the proposal of improvements and recommendations that can contribute to strengthening their programs. Furthermore, the use of additional quantitative and qualitative indicators, as well as the inclusion of perspectives from different stakeholder groups, is suggested for future studies seeking to expand this approach.