Unsettling musings on the essence of education in a digitally fabricated realm, as posed by Axel Rivas: "What essential knowledge is valuable in a synthetic universe?"
Updated and Revised Article:
A rain-soaked autumnal setting welcomed attendees to the VI Educational Innovation Seminar at the Ticmas auditorium, nestled within the La Rural grounds in Buenos Aires. The event, part of the Book Fair, aimed to explore the impact of technology on education, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI).
The seminar kicked off with a warm welcome from Patricio Zunini, who praised the diverse audience, including teachers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students from across Latin America. Zunini previewed the three-day event's agenda, which would delve into how AI is revolutionizing education, empowering students, and fostering collaboration.
"Everyone who accompanies us today is crucial. We especially appreciate those who traveled from different countries to attend," Zunini said before introducing the keynote speaker, Dr. Axel Rivas.
Rivas, an education specialist, began his presentation by asking a thought-provoking question: "What endures, survives, and retains meaning in a rapidly changing and uncertain world when AI challenges our traditional notions of education?"
"This question is at the heart of what schools strive to provide," Rivas explained. "As AI rapidly alters the landscape, old questions resurface, and new questions emerge. All of a sudden, machines seem to invade every corner of our lives, even tackling tasks that resemble human thought."
Rivas outlined three main currents shaping education:
- Classicism: Emphasizing traditional subjects, such as literature, history, mathematics, and science.
- Preparation for Life: Focusing on equipping students with practical skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and creativity, to thrive in the real world.
- Powerful Knowledge: A return to disciplines, but with a fresh perspective. This approach focuses on deep understanding, instead of mere memorization of facts.
Rivas encouraged educators to consider the crux of learning: "It's not just about what one should know; it's about understanding why that knowledge is vital.
"Knowledge is not an external entity. It shapes us. Neglecting essential and fundamental knowledge affects our identities, worldviews, and place in society. The idea that AI can fill this gap overlooks the transformative power of deep, impactful learning," Rivas insisted.
As Rivas's speech concluded, Zunini took the opportunity to ask an important question: "Does the technology that governs our lives also teach us?"
In response, Rivas emphasized: "We live in a technological world that has always mediated our interactions with reality and culture. The calculator was once seen as a disruptor, but the school found ways to incorporate it into learning. AI presents a new challenge, but one that can be approached with thoughtfulness and flexibility."
You might find this interesting: The combination of AI and human expertise: the future of education
- In the midst of the dynamics shaping education, it's worth considering the potential combination of AI and human expertise to foster a future of education.
- As we navigate the impact of AI on education, it's crucial to remember that the classroom, much like the sports field, requires a balanced blend of technology and human insight.3.BIconnect, an upcoming technology conference in Buenos Aires, will delve into the innovative intersection of AI and education, providing a platform for discussions similar to those at the VI Educational Innovation Seminar. ChatGPT, being a prime example of AI in action, could serve as an engaging topic for such a conference, sparking thought-provoking chats about the polarization and potential of technology in education.
