UTM, ING, EDU Mathematical Software-Assisted Didactic Strategy in the Teaching-Learning Process of the Cross Product in Linear Algebra for Engineering Education

Impact on Academic Performance and Student Perceptions

Authors

  • Jefferson Agustín Macías Bravo UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI
  • Ulbio Colón Durán Pico UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI
  • Jesús Jhinson Moreira Vélez UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37117/s.v28i1.1289

Keywords:

cross product, linear algebra, mathematical software, didactic strategy, engineering education, GNU Octave, MATLAB Mobile

Abstract

Learning the cross product represents a challenge in the mathematical training of engineers, due to the difficulty in articulating its algebraic and geometric registers. This study aimed to analyze the influence of a didactic strategy assisted by mathematical software on the teaching-learning process of the cross product in Linear Algebra for engineering students. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional quasi-experimental design was conducted with 117 engineering students from the Universidad Técnica de Manabí (Ecuador), assigned to a control group (n = 58, traditional methodology) and an experimental group (n = 59, strategy assisted by GNU Octave and MATLAB Mobile). A structured performance test and a Likert-type perception survey were administered. Results showed that the experimental group obtained a significantly higher mean (6.97 vs. 5.21; t(115) = -2.59, p = .011), with a small-to-medium effect size (d = 0.48). The approval rate (grade ≥ 7) was 69.49% in the experimental group versus 50.00% in the control group. Student perceptions were favorable (means: 3.37–3.40/5), highlighting software utility and academic motivation, and the perception instrument showed excellent internal consistency (global α = 0.9892). It is concluded that the didactic strategy assisted by mathematical software significantly improved academic performance and generated positive perceptions in learning the cross product, supporting the integration of dynamic visualization tools and disciplinary contextualization in Linear Algebra instruction for engineering.

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Author Biographies

Jefferson Agustín Macías Bravo, UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI

Jefferson Agustín Macías Bravo is an Ecuadorian academic and researcher whose professional career is closely linked to the Technical University of Manabí (UTM) in Portoviejo. He works primarily in the field of exact sciences, where he is known for his teaching and his focus on technical research.

Ulbio Colón Durán Pico, UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI

Ulbio Colón Durán Pico is a professor and researcher at the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), where he teaches at the Graduate Institute and the Faculty of Basic Sciences. His publications focus primarily on the use of technological tools for teaching mathematics and didactic strategies.  

Jesús Jhinson Moreira Vélez, UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MANABI

Jesús Jhinson Moreira Vélez is a prominent Ecuadorian academic, researcher, and cultural manager, born on September 22, 1973. His professional work has focused primarily on the province of Manabí, where he has built a career in higher education and the analysis of communication processes. He currently teaches at the Technical University of Manabí (UTM) and maintains a close collaboration with the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí (ULEAM), institutions from which he promotes critical thinking and pedagogical innovation.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Macías Bravo, J. A., Durán Pico, U. C., & Moreira Vélez, J. J. (2026). UTM, ING, EDU Mathematical Software-Assisted Didactic Strategy in the Teaching-Learning Process of the Cross Product in Linear Algebra for Engineering Education: Impact on Academic Performance and Student Perceptions. Sinapsis, 28(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.37117/s.v28i1.1289

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2026): Translation, Culture and Innovation in Knowledge Building

Section

Information and Communication Technologies

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Copyright (c) 2026 Jefferson Agustín Macías Bravo, Mg. Ulbio Colón Durán Pico, Mg. Jesús Jhinson Moreira Vélez

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