Keyword: dropout

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to research the factors that cause school dropout and whether technology can positively influence the reduction of this phenomenon in adolescents. The research method was conducted using a qualitative-exploratory approach. The sample was 92 students from two schools located in two different regions in Costa Rica for the year 2021. The results show that the gender distribution and the dropout rate in the selected sample indicate that the male gender has the highest dropout rate at 65.22%. This result shows the abundance of unskilled jobs for men and the value system associated with the male gender. The findings evidence that the female gender has a higher level of dropouts in rural areas (53.12%), and one important reason is teenage pregnancy. In conclusion, students who drop out of the school system do so mainly because of a lack of interest in classes and economic problems in the family environment. Finally, it is concluded that for a virtual education process to be successful, it is not only enough to use technology as a tool, but the teacher must also establish a teaching model that is agile, flexible, and dynamic to maintain the student’s interest. Among the recommendations, measures are proposed to reduce school dropout rates in institutions.