Retos de la educación virtual durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: The Colombian education system, historically based on face-to-face instruction, abruptly shifted to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This transition exposed technological, pedagogical, and social gaps that particularly affected students and teachers in vulnerable contexts.

Objective: To analyze the impact of virtual education in Colombia during the pandemic. To identify its effects on access, student retention, and academic performance.

Method: A descriptive analysis was conducted using data from the Ministry of National Education, UNESCO, and PISA results. Indicators of internet connectivity, access to digital devices, teacher training, and school dropout rates were evaluated.

Results: Only 69% of the Colombian population had internet access, leaving 12.8 million students without adequate connectivity. School dropout rates increased by approximately 15%, academic performance declined by around 20%, and only 47% of teachers received formal digital training.

Conclusions: Virtual education ensured academic continuity but revealed significant structural limitations. Hybrid education emerges as a sustainable alternative to reduce educational inequality and strengthen learning quality in the post-pandemic context.