Esmeralda: Support for Early Detection and Initial Intervention of Dyslexia in First-Grade Students Through the Development of Digital Educational Resources

In the current educational system, traditional methodologies often overlook the individual needs of students. In the 21st century, characterized by significant technological advancements, the lack of evident improvements in education to address these specific demands is concerning. Approximately 15% of children in Colombia face specific learning difficulties, many of which go unnoticed. These disorders, which affect cognitive abilities but are unrelated to intelligence or disease, can be significantly improved through tailored teaching approaches. Dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty impacting reading skills, affects 15 to 20% of the global population. Given the high level of digital competence among children today, technology offers valuable opportunities to strengthen the skills that need support. This synergy between education and technology led to the creation of Esmeralda, an educational computer environment designed to integrate digital resources for first-grade children, with the goal of aiding in the early detection and initial care of dyslexia. The software was tested with 22 students from Instituto Manizales, a school in Manizales - Colombia, revealing that a subset of students showed a tendency towards phonological or surface dyslexia, while others needed reinforcement in specific areas. These results underscore the potential of Esmeralda as a valuable tool for early detection, although it is not a replacement for professional diagnosis.