The profile of the high school graduate towards the era of education 5.0: A case study

Abstract

Introduction: the present study aimed to examine characteristics of high school graduates in a context of education 5.0 in Pedernales, Manabí, Ecuador, to promote the integration of technologies in the academic learning process. Method: the research used a quantitative, descriptive methodology, combining literature review, surveys of high school graduates (n=480) and interviews with education experts. Results: 42 % of high school graduates have difficulties with economic resources to access university education, while only 4 % consider technology and digital tools a relevant factor in their decision to enter university. These difficulties suggest a critical analysis between the demands of the digital labor market and the perception of graduates on the importance of technological skills. Conclusions: high school graduates face complex decisions ranging from academic program selection to financing options, followed by the low prioritization of technology in educational decisions. Strategies should be implemented to increase awareness of the criticality of Education 5.0 in the context of the global digital economy. The research thus contributes to the literature on preparing the workforce of the future in emerging economies and provides educational policy design adapted to the digital age, highlighting the need to align high school students’ perceptions with the technological demands of the labor market.