Dominican Republic congress addresses AI integration in schools

A gathering for digital change

The RDSTEAM 2026 movement recently hosted its second national congress titled "Innovate to Educate: ATEAM beyond educational transformation in the digital era." This event took place on Wednesday, November 4, at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU). It served as a primary forum for discussing how the Dominican Republic can navigate the rapid pace of technological change in schools.

More than 200 people attended the gathering, including a diverse group of teachers, students, and representatives from various educational institutions. The goal was to create a space where stakeholders could share perspectives on the shifting landscape of modern learning. By bringing these groups together, the organizers aimed to foster a collective understanding of what digital transformation actually looks like on the ground.

The congress focused on the specific challenges posed by the rise of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Rather than viewing technology as a standalone solution, the discussions centered on how it interacts with existing human systems. As reported by hoy.com.do, the event highlighted that the transition to a digital era requires a coordinated effort from all levels of the educational community.

The necessity of teacher training

A major theme of the congress was the idea that technology cannot be successfully integrated into schools without proper support for the people running them. The speakers emphasized that the implementation of artificial intelligence must be accompanied by comprehensive teacher training. Without these skills, educators may struggle to use new tools effectively or may find themselves overwhelmed by the speed of change.

The movement argued that the goal is not just to put computers or AI software into classrooms, but to ensure that teachers know how to use them as part of a coherent strategy. This involves moving beyond basic technical literacy to a deeper understanding of how these tools can enhance specific learning outcomes. Training is presented as the bridge between having a new tool and actually using it to improve student success.

The discussions also touched on the importance of institutional policies to guide these efforts. Schools need clear rules on how technology should be deployed and what the expectations are for both students and staff. By establishing these frameworks, the educational system can provide a stable environment where innovation does not come at the expense of order or clarity.

Ethics and responsible use

The congress participants stressed that the use of artificial intelligence in schools must be governed by strict ethical criteria. Because AI can impact how students learn and how information is processed, the movement called for guidelines that guarantee responsible usage. These ethics are meant to protect the integrity of the learning process while still allowing for the benefits of modern technology.

The conversation around ethics involves looking at how data is handled and how AI-generated content is verified in a classroom setting. The goal is to create a system where technology serves the educational mission rather than distracting from it. By focusing on responsible use, the congress aimed to address concerns about the potential risks of unmonitored AI interaction in a school environment.

José Ramón Suriel, the director of the School of Education at UNPHU, noted that the educational system has no choice but to prepare for these changes. He argued that because artificial intelligence is already a reality causing significant changes in teaching practices, the system must respond in a conscious and critical way. This perspective suggests that the focus is now on proactive preparation rather than reactive adjustments.

Recognizing leadership in education

During the event, the RDSTEAM 2026 movement presented its first ESCALA to Educational Excellence award. This honor was given to economist Rolando Guzmán, who serves as the director of the newspaper HOY. The award was intended to recognize his academic trajectory, his leadership, and his various contributions to the knowledge and development of Dominican society.

Guzmán delivered a keynote speech titled "Educate under a changing world," where he shared his reflections on contemporary educational challenges. He spoke about the importance of developing specific competencies that allow students and teachers to respond to the transformations occurring in society. His talk reinforced the idea that education must be dynamic enough to keep pace with a world that is constantly evolving.

The recognition of Guzmán served to highlight the role of public figures and media leaders in shaping educational discourse. By involving leaders who understand both the economy and the social fabric, the congress sought to connect classroom issues with broader national goals. The award underscored the belief that educational progress is a key component of overall societal development.

The path toward conscious change

The overarching message of the RDSTEAM 2026 congress was one of prepared adaptation. The participants agreed that while the digital transformation is inevitable, the way it is managed will determine its success. The focus remains on creating a balanced environment where artificial intelligence is supported by human expertise, clear rules, and a commitment to ethical standards.

Moving forward, the discussions suggest that the next steps involve turning these high-level debates into practical classroom policies. This includes identifying specific training modules for teachers and drafting the institutional guidelines discussed at the UNPHU. The goal is to ensure that every school in the country has a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the digital era.

Ultimately, the congress serves as a call to action for the Dominican educational community to be proactive. By addressing the challenges of AI now, the system aims to prepare students for a future where technology is a constant companion. The move toward a more conscious and critical approach to technology is intended to empower both educators and learners in a rapidly changing world.