This presentation examines online higher education as a regional development strategy, drawing on the experience of Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Ecuador, with the aim of expanding access and delivering high-quality inclusive education in underserved Amazonian territories. Using a mixed, practice-based design, the study combines learning management system analytics on participation, interaction, and performance, including activity, resource use, submissions, and grades, analysed through descriptive statistics and level-based trends; reflective records from 62 instructors on pedagogical decisions and support measures; and a census of students who have self-reported special educational needs in the online Basic Education programme, comprising 50 students across levels one to six. Non-significant curricular adaptations are defined as access adjustments grounded in Universal Design for Learning that do not alter intended learning outcomes or assessment criteria. They emphasise multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement, including alternative formats, multimodal instructions, explicit rubrics, and flexible timelines and submission channels. Results indicate that these supports, together with daily academic tutoring and a flipped learning approach, are associated with stronger academic continuity and fewer late submissions within the analysed group. To strengthen the regional framing, the study incorporates students’ territorial origin, mobility-related costs avoided, and perceived local employment opportunities, highlighting how online provision can help retain human capital and widen professional pathways without migration. The paper concludes with quality-assurance and leadership recommendations centred on accessibility standards, timely support, fair and transparent assessment, continuous faculty development, and evidence-informed improvement.

Authors:
Lineth Fernández-Sánchez, Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Ecuador
Gustavo Fernández, Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Ecuador
Verónica Villarreral, Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Ecuador
David Sancho, Universidad Estatal Amazóncia, Ecuador

About the Presenter(s)
Dra. Lineth Fernández Sánchez, PhD, Decana de Modalidad En Línea (UEA). Intereses: calidad e innovación educativa, currículo, economía y turismo. Proyecto actual: diseño y mejora de programas y MOOCs para formación superior.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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