Artificial Intelligence: an educational challenge

Educator Training Seminar 2024
Education Commission of our two Unions (UISG and USG)

During three intense days of reflection, the 2024 Training Seminar for Educators addressed the great challenges and opportunities that education is experiencing in the digital age, exploring how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), can transform both pedagogical processes and leadership dynamics within educational institutions. During the sessions, key topics related to technological ethics, educational leadership and the culture of care were addressed, as well as their impact on the integral development of students.

Care as a pillar of educational leadership

The seminar began on November 14 with a keynote speech by Luis Aranguren Gonzalo, associate professor of Ethics at the Complutense University of Madrid, who presented a paper entitled "Leadership that takes care". Aranguren reflected on the concept of educational leadership in the modern era, emphasizing the need for an approach based on attention, solidarity and the emotional well-being of students. In his speech, the teacher highlighted the importance of developing transversal skills such as sensitivity and awareness to train ethical and collaborative leaders. According to Aranguren, leadership must evolve from an approach centred on individual performance to one that values ​​inclusive relationships and social cohesion.

Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

On November 15, the seminar took a direction focused on the impact of artificial intelligence in education. Cristóbal Cobo, researcher and expert in educational technology, presented a detailed analysis of the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in classrooms. During his speech, Cobo emphasized that AI must be seen as a complementary tool and never as a substitute for teachers. He highlighted the importance of training educators to use these technologies ethically and responsibly, also developing a critical vision that allows balancing the use of digital with human.

The seminar also explored how AI can support repetitive activities, freeing up time for teachers to focus on more creative and emotional aspects of the educational process. In this regard, Cobo suggested that students should learn to use these technologies responsibly, developing critical thinking skills and discernment with respect to the information generated by technology.

Reflection on the digital future and human values

On the last day of the seminar (November 16), participants immersed themselves in a deep reflection on the social and ethical impact of digital technologies and AI. Professor Paola Inverardi, director of the Gran Sasso Scientific Institute (Italy), emphasized that, although these technologies offer numerous advantages, it is essential to integrate critical thinking and human values ​​​​in their use. The need to train the new generations not only in technological skills, but also in the development of ethical wisdom, which allows them to face the challenges of the future in a conscious and responsible way, was discussed.

Prof. Fabio Pasqualetti presented the impact of artificial intelligence on society, highlighting the technical, anthropological, educational, social, political and economic challenges that it entails. He highlighted the importance of "wisdom of the heart" in using AI ethically and in preserving fully human communication. He also analyzed the implications of digital technologies, surveillance capitalism and future prospects related to biotechnology and nanotechnology, underlining the need to reflect on the role of man in an increasingly digitalized and automated environment.

The importance of educating students in the ethical use of technology, cultivating a balance between digital innovation and human dignity, was emphasized. Participants agreed that the future of education must be one in which technology is not seen as an enemy, but as a complement to teaching, provided it is used in a way that is aligned with Christian values ​​and humanity.

Next steps and commitments

The seminar concluded with a series of concrete steps for participants and educational institutions, including:

• Develop critical skills in students and teachers on the use of AI.
• Strengthen ethical deliberation in pedagogical decisions.
• Promote the well-being of teachers through training in a culture of care.
• Integrate Christian and human values ​​into digital education, ensuring that technology serves to promote the integral well-being of students.

The Training Seminar not only provided a space for reflection, but also for concrete commitments that will enable educators to successfully face the educational challenges of the future. A seminar that, by integrating human care with technological innovation, advocates for a more ethical, inclusive, and wellbeing-centered educational model for all.