MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Girls and boys serve adults capable of being related. If we don’t, they will ask AI. This is the awareness that emerges from Words at school 2025, an opportunity to reflect on the educational role of adults at a time when technology offers immediate answers, but not authentic relationships. The school returns to the centre as a place of listening, meeting and shared responsibility. More than 2,000 participants took part today, in Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, at the third edition of Words at school: a day of free training organized by Words O_Stili, an association that for years has committed itself to countering the phenomenon of violence of the words off and online, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and Istituto Giuseppe Toniolo. A long-awaited appointment, which brought together teachers, educators, educators and families from all over Italy to reflect on the power of words in education and the construction of authentic relationships.
Over the course of the day, more than forty training sessions took place between panels, lectures and workshops, which explored key themes for today’s school and society: the relationship between artificial intelligence and education, the collaboration between school and family, the conscious use of social media and the orientation of young people in choices for the future. To open the day Elena Beccalli, Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and On. Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Education and Merit.
“The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart is constantly committed to reaffirming the strength of education power, i.e. the role of education as a motor for inclusive and solidarity growth. The link between study, psychological well-being, digital channels, artificial intelligence is the theme on which to reflect when we think of tomorrow’s teaching – said Beccalli -. And a bridge between primary and secondary schools and the university can help a lot in rethinking teaching. These are the reasons that led me to propose an educational pact for new technologies and artificial intelligence. The condition of the Covenant is that education can benefit from new technologies when they act as mediators, without them becoming an end in themselves. The idea that AI can be considered a substitute for the expert opinion calls into question the subject of the authoritativeness of epistemical authorities, of training places such as universities and schools. We know well what the risks that such a propensity entails, first of all the progressive loss of trust towards teachers, which could be seen as now obsolete mediators of knowledge (also because they are believed to be unfailable, being human beings, contrary to the illusoryly infallible AI). It is a theme, this, which touches the deep root of education. The arduous task of educators is, therefore, to assume the burden of “guiding” and to help students and students develop a critical sense and a mental openness capable of making them citizens aware.”.
“I bring the contribution of the Ministry of Education and Merit to this very important event organized by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the Toniolo Institute. The words are important in the growth of our girls and boys and I believe that “Respect” is the key word for the education of our students from the school of Childhood – said Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Education and Merit –. As for the relationship between school and AI, I think the most indicated word is responsibility. Artificial Intelligence must be an opportunity and not a risk, must accompany and support the teacher and not replace it. The responsibility of guiding young people in these cognitive processes towards technological and digital innovations is fundamental.”.
Particularly participated was the study dedicated to the project Patti Chiari, designed to promote conscious, responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence in teaching. The theme has taken further importance in the light of the data emerging from the research “AI: between information and training”, by the Observatory Opinion Leader 4 Future, in collaboration with the department of High School in media communication and show of the Catholic University and Credem. According to the survey, conducted on a representative sample of the Italian population, over 90% of young people between 18 and 25 years use artificial intelligence tools in an active, creative and multifunctional way, well beyond simple thematic research. Unlike older generations, who tend to use AI as an advanced search engine, the younger ones also use it to schematize complex content (50%) and deepen specific topics (45%), revealing an innovative potential not yet fully valued in the school context.
However, because this resource really turns into an educational opportunity, technology alone is not enough. The new generations have the ideal conditions to develop an innovative information and training culture, based on the critical sense and the ability to narrate and interpret. But, in order for this potential to be realized, it is necessary to strengthen the reflexive, analytical and creative skills. Only in this way will it be possible to face the evolution of AI and the contemporary digital context in a constructive way. During the event, academics, content creators and communication professionals have dialogued with the public bringing different experiences and visions, but united by a common goal: promoting a school capable of educating through the relationship. “The girls, boys and the great use of AI chats demonstrate this: ask there the questions they cannot ask us. They talk about friendship, sexuality, future, visions of the world. They seek listening and answers because often we adults do not have time, we have prejudices or simply do not know what to say. When perhaps it would simply “stay” – explained Rosy Russo founder and president of Words O_Stili -. “She speaks at school” was born precisely for this: to offer teachers and parents concrete tools to enter into dialogue with them. Today, with over 2000 participants, 40 panels and 130 speakers, our commitment is a good gesture towards the youngest – and towards us adults, because we can learn to really help them.” Also this year, participation in the event was free and open to the public.
– Photo press office Catholic University –
(ITALPRESS).
