Use of a virtual learning object to develop research competencies in higher Education

Foundation: Educational practices in universities require the use of research to find and generate new theories and knowledge. In Mexico, in public universities, curricular programs related to the development of research skills are increasingly scarce in this component.Objective: to analyze the results of the application of a virtual learning object to develop skills in university students which are necessary to develop research projects in education.Methods: qualitative study, with action research design, in a sample of 41 students of the sixth semester of Science in Education, at the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, Mexico. Focus group techniques and participant observation were used. The intervention was carried out through the development of didactic units and with the use of a virtual learning object.Results: the students, in a teacher-led workshop class, managed to theorize about the approach and research problem justification, research questions, and objectives. Regarding virtual learning object, they considered it a fundamental support tool to complete the first part of their research project.Conclusion: The virtual learning object was a didactic resource capable of guiding students towards the development of skills in their research projects; it helped and exemplified the students of Science in Education to formulate the problem statement, the justification, objectives and questions of a research project.