There are moments in history that force us to rethink everything; situations that test our convictions, our structures, and our ability to adapt. For the world of education, one of those moments arrived with the pandemic. Empty classrooms, confused teachers, isolated students… and an uncertain future demanding quick answers.
In the midst of that discouraging context, leaders emerged who were able to see beyond the chaos; people who, instead of surrendering to uncertainty, decided to transform it into an opportunity to innovate and build a more resilient education system.
One of them is Margarita Araque, an expert in educational leadership and digital transformation, with a career devoted to helping institutions and educators integrate technology in meaningful ways. When we had the pleasure of interviewing her on the Smowltech Podcast, Margarita shared a powerful reflection:
“Crises don’t destroy, they reveal. They reveal what we are capable of doing when we have no choice but to move forward.” Building on this idea, we spoke about how to overcome the fear of change, foster an innovation mindset, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth, both personally and institutionally.
From foreign languages to educational leadership
Margarita clearly remembers feeling a strong calling to education from a young age. Her journey began with a degree in Foreign Languages, but she soon realized that her mission was not only to educate students, but also to support teachers in their professional growth.
“Teachers are the true natural leaders of education”, she says. Over time, her interest expanded to include educational leaders; those capable of driving meaningful change within institutions.
“I’ve always felt a deep connection with technology. Since my university years, I participated in research projects that integrated technological tools into educational processes. That blend of human development and technology became the core of my career”, she explains.
Technology as a catalyst for change
When asked about the implementation of technology in education, Margarita recalls a defining experience. Before becoming a teacher, she worked for a company that developed e-learning software, at a time when few people understood how this modality worked.
“At first, it was difficult; many teachers with a traditional mindset couldn’t imagine teaching without being face-to-face with their students. But little by little, we saw the results: students felt more connected, enjoyed the new resources, and technology became the perfect complement to in-person classes.”
This experience cemented her belief that technology can transform teaching and educational management, as long as it is integrated consciously and with people at the center.
Turning uncertainty into opportunity
The pandemic made clear the need to adapt quickly. Margarita emphasizes that the first step in facing uncertainty is trusting oneself and the institution.
“During the pandemic, we experienced a sudden and profound shift. Some universities already had experience in virtual education, but most didn’t, and the fear of change was enormous. That fear comes from not knowing our strengths or what tools we have”, she explains.
For her, the key lies in mindset: “We have to let go of the idea that everything must go perfectly. Innovation means exploring, testing, and accepting that we don’t always know what will happen next. That willingness to experiment is essential, even if it’s hard for educational leaders to embrace.”
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Educational leadership in times of transformation
Margarita stresses that educational leaders play a decisive role in transformation.
“First, they must have the right mindset. Then, they must conduct an honest analysis of their current situation, understanding where they are and where they want to go. Many institutions talk about innovation, but if innovation remains an intention without concrete goals, there’s no real transformation. Clear objectives are needed to chart a path toward that desired future.”
She also highlights the importance of internal leaders who can bridge the pedagogical and technological aspects, and who can evaluate external proposals to ensure they meet the institution’s real needs. “Providers should adapt to the institution, not the other way around”, she insists.
Technology: a cane, not the center
One concept Margarita often repeats is that technology is a cane, a support that helps us move forward, but should never replace the human focus.
“I’ve seen incredible innovations in rural areas of Colombia, where technology is a luxury. Yet the most significant changes come from human transformation, changing perspectives, understanding how and when to do things differently. Technology is important, but it must be used with purpose: to understand why and how it can be most effective for each institution.”
She illustrates this with two experiences that deeply marked her career. The first was the design of a fully virtual university program, completed just before the pandemic and immediately successful.
The second took place in rural areas of Chocó, where the only available tool was WhatsApp. There, they managed to maintain learning for an entire year using only messages, audio, videos, and printed guides. “That shows that technology can be simple or sophisticated, but what truly matters is the people”, she reflects.
Resilience and support
Technology also strengthens institutional resilience. According to Margarita, it enables testing, data collection, and rapid adjustment, reducing fear of failure. It also allows educators to accompany students wherever they are, bringing education into homes and communities and fostering trust in times of change.
The future: artificial intelligence and education
Looking to the future, Margarita identifies artificial intelligence as one of the most disruptive trends. “AI can benefit all educational actors: leaders, teachers, students, administrators, etc, but we must ensure people are trained to use it correctly.”
She works with the KICC Institute from Singapore and South Korea, which has developed a digital intelligence competency framework for children and youth. “It’s not just about handling tools, but about forming empathetic, ethical, and conscious digital citizens. If technology accelerates us but doesn’t make us better people, the results will be limited”, she warns.
Humanizing technology
For Margarita, digital education must go hand in hand with the humanization of technology. Teaching digital well-being — self-control, self-management, and balance — is key to helping young people use tools without distorting their sense of reality.
“In Colombia, for instance, the average screen time exceeds eight hours a day. We need to teach how to use technology to grow as human beings, not to distort our lives”, she explains.
New generations and digital balance
She observes young people with optimism: creative, global-minded, and environmentally aware, yet also facing pressure from social media and emotional challenges from the lack of face-to-face interaction. That’s why Margarita emphasizes the need for balance between digital and human.
Advice for educators
Her advice to educators is clear: stay open-minded and flexible. Look inward to understand the institution’s needs, and outward to anticipate the skills future professionals will require. “Education should prepare young people not just to pass exams, but to solve real problems and transform society”, she stresses.
Education of the future: ubiquitous and transformative
Margarita envisions an ubiquitous education that transcends classrooms and schedules, fostering lifelong learning. “Technology will play a fundamental role, allowing us all to become lifelong learners. Learning, unlearning, and continuously adapting will be key to thriving in uncertain times.”
Conclusion
Margarita’s experience shows that in education, transformation depends not only on technology, but on the people who use it with purpose and awareness. Leaders, teachers, and students committed to learning and innovation can turn uncertainty into opportunity, build resilience, and create stronger, more human educational institutions.
At Smowltech, we believe the future of education lies in integrating technology ethically and human-centeredly, supporting students and leaders every step of the way, which is why we are committed to proctoring.As Margarita reminds us, true innovation begins with a change in mindset and with the commitment to put people at the center of every decision.
