THE TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS

Abstract

This study analyzes technological advances in education, highlighting how they promote the personalization of learning and expand access to knowledge, but also presents challenges such as the pedagogical and ethical use of tools, in addition to issues of access, equity, and teacher training. The research investigates how teachers integrate these technologies into their educational practices, focusing on the benefits, challenges, and changes in teaching, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for educators and adequate infrastructure to ensure the effective implementation of educational technologies. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital tools such as online teaching platforms, videoconferencing, and artificial intelligence and augmented reality resources, offering more dynamic, interactive, and self- paced teaching. However, it has also highlighted the persistent inequality in access to technology, especially in care, which compromises the learning of students in vulnerable situations. In addition, the resistance of some public teachers to change and the need for more robust policies to ensure digital inclusion were issues highlighted. The research also suggests that the hybrid model, which combines in-person and digital learning, emerges as a promising solution for the future of education, allowing for greater flexibility and personalization, but without losing the human interaction that is essential for the socio- emotional development of students. Continuous teacher training is seen as essential for the strategic use of technologies, balancing innovation with fundamental pedagogical values, such as critical thinking and human interaction. To ensure quality and inclusive education, it is necessary to invest in technological infrastructure, teacher training and public policies that promote digital inclusion, with the aim of offering equitable educational opportunities for all students. In short, the future of education will depend on the balance between in-person and digital teaching, with an effective integration of technologies, without losing sight of essential pedagogical principles.