Factors that describe the use of digital devices in Latin American universities

Abstract Mobile digital devices are at the same time a tool for social interaction, an individual learning resource and can be a valuable contribution in the context of higher education to develop and promote new teaching and learning models. Recent studies show that both the more traditional pedagogical models of face-to-face teaching and distance teaching mediated by Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) can be enhanced by the use of these devices on and off campus. Likewise, the current context of Higher Education urges university institutions to promote a series of generic and specific competencies, where the use of these devices in a personal, academic and professional way acquires an outstanding value in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and represents an enrichment of university educational practice. This paper presents a study of the didactic and social use made by Hispanic American university students in 10 universities in several areas in order to establish common and divergent patterns of use so that useful conclusions can be extrapolated to improve the educational context of Higher Education in the Hispanic world.