Personal learning environments for distance education students at the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas

Abstract

The growing demand for flexible education has driven research into Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in distance learning, highlighting their ability to personalize instruction and promote autonomous learning. A descriptive study was conducted with 158 online students from the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas (UAT), analyzing their PLE usage through surveys. Results revealed a preference for digital tools (websites, videos, and social networks) and reliance on instructor-recommended resources. Key influencing factors included perceived usefulness, accessibility, and collaborative tools. Despite challenges in instructor communication, the study underscores PLEs’ potential to enhance online education and recommends greater integration of interactive multimedia resources.