Transformative education: from written language to digital learning in times of change

Introduction: The research addressed the importance of literacy in students' cognitive development, considering its historical evolution from the first writing systems to current ICT-mediated teaching models. It highlighted that language has been essential for transmitting knowledge and developing critical thinking. The study focused on a rural public institution in Ecuador, where a pedagogical methodology supported by digital tools was proposed to enhance language skills. Development: Throughout the study, the contributions of great educators such as Socrates, Piaget, Montessori, and Vygotsky were reviewed, who transformed the concept of education from traditional models to active and participatory approaches. It was shown how literacy has been a key tool in the intellectual development of human beings. In addition, the impact of ICT during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed, a situation that forced migration to virtual environments, revealing both opportunities and inequalities. In this context, digital platforms, ubiquitous learning, and strategies such as PBL (Project-Based Learning) were implemented to improve teaching processes in vulnerable areas. Conclusions: The study concluded that strengthening literacy through innovative methodologies and the conscious use of ICT improved students' academic and cognitive performance. However, the need for effective teacher support and family involvement was emphasized. Committing to inclusive, contextualized, and critical education was established as the path toward real and equitable educational transformation.