Objective

To identify the relationship between the characteristics of students, their learning environment, their occupation, and the virtual objects for self-regulated learning. In addition, to establish connections with participant's observation. Important aspects for the training of health professionals.

Methods

A qualitative study was applied to students who participated in the Education and Occupational Therapy subject. Two tools were used: virtual Objects Questionnaire for the educational field learning and Participant Observation. The first instrument was piloted and reviewed by experts.

Results

The study reported similar demographic data and background of similar education in relation to: origin, access to the computer and exclusivity to study; as well as the development of secondary education studies in Bogotá and in private institutions. In the learning environments, there is a tendency to show that they agree with the program of the subject in fulfillment of explicit objectives chosen for the study in 75 % and implicit in 60 %. With regards to the occupation, it was found that the virtual object allowed to deepen on the subject that the students developed and put into practice previous knowledge on communication technologies. The Participant Observation tool found particularities in the elements of motivation, efficacy and self-regulated learning.

Conclusions

The implementation of the Virtual Learning Objects favor the students' motivation, self-regulated learning and their appropriation of concepts and knowledge related to the subject; therefore, it is proposed as a learning strategy.