Human beings are social by nature, and the poverty or lack of social interactions carries significant consequences with loneliness being a concern in a close relation to these interactions. In this sense, social disconnection due to several forms of discrimination has also been a concern, particularly in the context of two related phenomena: geographical distance and social discrimination, there are multiple examples throughout history. For instance, insightful evidence provided by early voyagers emphasizes the need for inclusion. In opposition, the modern society characterized by the wide use of technology has paradoxically allowed social disconnection through the problematic use of technological devices in several contexts, especially in the case of young users. Societies are complex systems in constant change. The dynamics among various elements of society should be the object of constant reflection to keep the balance and solve every social problem as soon as it appears. The potential of technology makes it a very powerful tool for both connection and disconnection. Therefore, it constitutes a priority to focus on the importance of keeping the balance in its usage.

The teaching–learning process developed was based on the effective integration of the Hardware in the Loop (HIL) technique to control a brewing process. This required programming the autonomous control of the system and uploading it to a physical controller consisting of a PLC S7-1200, which communicates in real time with a virtual brewing environment, in addition to a SCADA system, providing engineering students with a unique practical experience. The system allows the emission of input signals from sensors and the reception of output signals in actuators, which is reflected accurately and in real time in the virtual environment. Students cannot only observe but also control and manipulate the system using specifically developed programs. This methodology enriched the understanding of industrial processes and fostered the acquisition of control skills. This research work reveals that the combination of the physical and the virtual through the HIL technique offers an effective approach for the training of engineers, improving their understanding of industrial control processes and their ability to intervene practically in real industrial situations.

El presente artículo de investigación aborda el impacto de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) en el desempeño docente universitario en el contexto post pandemia. La pandemia de COVID-19 generó cambios significativos en la educación superior, y tanto docentes como estudiantes debieron adaptarse a modalidades virtuales o híbridas. El objetivo es describir la relación de las TIC en el desempeño docente post pandemia, considerando aspectos como calidad de la enseñanza, motivación y eficacia de los métodos pedagógicos empleados. Se empleó una metodología cualitativa hermenéutica, basada en la comprensión, análisis y reflexión del tema abordado, y se utilizó información de investigaciones documentales. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de la capacitación docente en didáctica y pedagogía digital para mejorar el desempeño en la era digital. Se identificaron desafíos en la educación virtual, como falta de acceso a tecnología, dificultad para mantener motivación y compromiso, y la necesidad de adaptar métodos de enseñanza. Se sugiere la implementación de estrategias y herramientas tecnológicas avanzadas para mejorar la calidad de la educación virtual. Se destaca la necesidad de desarrollar competencias digitales y formación continua en el ámbito digital. En conclusión, el uso de las TIC en el desempeño docente universitario post pandemia plantea desafíos y oportunidades. La capacitación constante del profesorado en competencias digitales, la adopción de enfoques como el modelo TPACK, la inclusión de la ética en la práctica docente y la consideración de las perspectivas y necesidades de los estudiantes en la educación en línea son cruciales para enfrentar estos desafíos. La colaboración entre docentes, estudiantes e instituciones permitirá mejorar la calidad de la educación y adaptarse a las demandas del contexto post pandemia.

Higher education not only has the responsibility of forming citizens and professionals, through the development of skills that contribute to the construction of democratic societies; but also to promote and guarantee adequate training to meet the needs and demands of a convulsed society. It is evident that concepts of relevance and social responsibility have evolved in recent times. In this context, the objective of the research was: To identify the importance of Relevance and Social Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions – IES; with the intention of adopting competencies that allow improving the educational processes that are developed in the Ecuadorian university of the XXI century. The methods that allowed the fulfillment of the research were from a documentary design, associated with the hermeneutic method, through a review and interpretation of texts; as books, articles sources of primary character. The conclusion, the relevance of education, although it must approach social issues and needs to generate innovation and problem solving in each area where it is required, must contemplate critical thinking, which promulgates a receptivity of the legal and regulatory context, and a responsibility with the social and economic development of the country. For this reason, it is essential that there be a development of the curriculum in higher education, in accordance with educational policies that allow meeting the needs and demands of society; This reality will determine guidelines for the Government to promote changes that generate social responsibility and development.

This study explores the role of structured recreational activities as andragogical strategies to enhance holistic development in higher education. A cross-sectional, non-experimental correlational design was employed, using a validated Likert-type survey (Cronbach’s α = 0.87) administered to 62 students and faculty members at the University of the Armed Forces (ESPE). Quantitative analyses, including chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlations, revealed significant positive associations between participation in recreational activities (e.g., strategic games, outdoor sports, cultural visits, artistic practices) and indicators of academic performance, emotional balance, and social engagement. Findings underscore the importance of systematically integrating pedagogical recreation into university curricula and institutional policies to strengthen students’ cognitive skills, reduce stress, and foster creativity. The article highlights implications for curriculum design, resource allocation, and higher education policy in Latin America, while outlining avenues for future research.