Digital educational ecosystem and university adjustment in students involved in recreational activities: a psychological, pedagogical, and social analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118943

Keywords:

Educational ecosystem , digital engagement, recreational participation, university adjustment

Abstract

Introduction: The digital transformation of higher education redefined the university experience and posed new challenges for students’ academic, social, and emotional adjustment. Participation in recreational activities emerged as a factor associated with well-being and institutional integration.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the digital educational ecosystem and university adjustment in students engaged in recreational activities, assessing the moderating role of such participation from a psychological, pedagogical, and social perspective.

Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study with a correlational-explanatory scope was conducted. The sample consisted of 312 university students. Validated scales were administered to measure the digital ecosystem, university adjustment, and recreational participation. Descriptive, correlational, multiple regression, and moderation analyses were performed.

Results: Social presence, digital engagement, and pedagogical design were significantly associated with university adjustment. Digital engagement emerged as the strongest predictor. Recreational participation showed a direct effect and strengthened the relationship between the digital ecosystem and adjustment.

Discussion: The findings were consistent with previous research highlighting the importance of student engagement, social presence, and recreational activity for university well-being, integrating these factors into a comprehensive explanatory model.

Conclusions: University adjustment resulted from the interaction between a structured digital environment and active recreational participation, providing evidence to support comprehensive institutional policies.

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Published

01-05-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Muñoz Landázuri, M., Ramírez Calixto, C. Y., Barcia Salas, T. J., & Coronel Escobar, C. J. (2026). Digital educational ecosystem and university adjustment in students involved in recreational activities: a psychological, pedagogical, and social analysis. Retos, 78, 961-971. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118943