Exploratory analysis of the use of digital platforms in university extension activities

Abstract

This article presents a strictly exploratory and descriptive analysis of the use of digital platforms in university outreach. It is developed as a case study that describes the initial trends and perceptions of the university, accompanied by a literature review on the origins of university outreach and the contributions of various authors regarding the use of virtual platforms, their successes, and challenges. Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design that does not seek causality or inference, a non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used. An 11-question questionnaire was administered, with a response rate of 19% (n = 38), a limitation that prevents generalization of the results. Of the total participants, 44% were students, followed by 20% from civil society; the remainder were faculty and administrative staff of the university. The results show that 82.9% of respondents indicated having used a platform in activities carried out by the university, with WhatsApp being the most frequently used communication channel (75%), followed by Instagram (55.6%). 83.3% of participants considered the platforms used by the institution to be accessible, suggesting that they meet adequate design criteria. Regarding the perception of a strengthened link between the university and civil society, 63.9% strongly agreed. In conclusion, it is observed that digital platforms are fundamental tools for strengthening the relationship between the university, the educational community, and society, coordinating university outreach with academia, although ongoing training in the use of new emerging technologies is required.