Basic education in Mexico: digital advances, pandemic challenges, and lessons for the future

Abstract

Basic education in Mexico, comprising preschool, primary, and secondary levels, serves as the foundation of the national educational system. Its evolution has been shaped by technological advancements, structural challenges, and the need to adapt to emerging contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an unprecedented transformation, exposing inequalities in access to technology, connectivity, and digital literacy. This article examines the trajectory of basic education in Mexico, from early efforts to integrate technology through programs such as Enciclomedia and Habilidades Digitales para Todos, to the emergency response with Aprende en Casa. The barriers that hindered the transition to remote learning, such as the digital divide and the lack of teacher training in ICT, are analyzed. Furthermore, the study reflects on the lessons learned and the strategies needed to consolidate an inclusive, flexible, and resilient educational model in the post-pandemic era. Strengthening teacher training, ensuring equitable technological integration, and reducing educational inequalities require the implementation of effective public policies. The pandemic has demonstrated that innovation and flexibility are essential to addressing the educational challenges of the 21st century.