Virtual Classroom Design Model and Its Relation to Student Motivation and Performance in a Moodle Learning Environment During the Emergency of COVID-19

Virtual learning environments during the pandemic have made it possible to support the originally face-to-face modalities in education at all levels. The teaching and learning processes require educational strategies that make it possible to take classrooms to the virtual world and be as effective as in the face-to-face setting. The objective of this work is to determine a virtual classroom design model that generates a positive effect on the motivation and performance of the participants. A descriptive methodology with quantitative approach is developed using the survey technique in two courses of first academic cycle of engineering careers at the Salesian Polytechnic University in the city of Guayaquil, during two academic periods, one from May to September 2020, another from October 2020 to February 2021, and five courses during May to September 2021. The analysis determined the relationship of the virtual classroom design, with the order, graphic line, formats, and amount of resources, with the motivation and performance of the participants. It is concluded the positive effect that the learning activities have, making them more meaningful for the student, in relation to the model of their presentation, generating an intention of appropriation and belonging on the part of the participant, due to its immediate comprehension and ease of realization. This study presents a virtual classroom design model, as well as a set of digital educational media and meaningful learning activities for virtual environments on Moodle, which have proven to be effective in their application.