Teaching, Learning, and Leading with AI: Insights from CINNED 2025
On May 28, 2025, the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in Puebla, Mexico, hosted a press conference for the 5th International Congress on Educational Innovation (CINNED). The event brought together leading voices in education and technology to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the academic world. I had the honor of participating alongside Gabriela Lechuga, Director of Educational Innovation at UPAEP, and Carlos Magro, Vice President of the Open Education Association.
Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Education and Entrepreneurship
Like any new technology, artificial intelligence has tremendous potential, but it can also cause confusion because it’s unfamiliar to many. The key is to understand how it works and what its limitations are. That way, we can use it wisely—as what it truly is: a tool. And like any tool, it can be helpful or dangerous depending on how it’s used. It’s not the tool’s fault if it’s misused; the responsibility lies with the person using it. Just like when calculators first appeared, some worried kids would stop learning multiplication tables. But now we know students must first understand the basics before relying on the tool. Something similar is happening with AI.
In Which Sectors Is AI Being Used the Most?
The data is still incomplete because this technology is so recent. ChatGPT, for example, is just over two years old. But we already see AI being widely used in systems administration, communications, banking, and finance. Predictive AI is especially powerful—it detects fraud in credit card transactions or filters spam emails before we even notice. AI is already embedded in many daily processes: when we call, shop, or pay, it’s often working in the background.
Digital Divide: Are “Digital Natives” Missing Critical Skills?
There’s a misconception that young people, because they grew up with technology, know how to use it effectively. In my experience, many students are great with consumer apps like TikTok, but struggle with using a laptop for productivity or learning. That’s a real usage gap. And AI demands infrastructure—electricity, processing power, access to paid platforms. Ensuring equitable access is crucial to prevent the digital divide from widening even further.
Does AI Undermine Teachers' Authority?
No. Power is something that comes from above—authority is something you earn from below. AI doesn't take away a teacher’s authority. Respect in the classroom comes from a teacher’s ability to guide, support, and connect with students. That remains irreplaceable, regardless of the tools involved.
Have Students Lost Their Curiosity?
I still have curiosity, and so do many students. The challenge isn’t a lack of curiosity—it’s the overwhelming volume of knowledge we now face. Biologically, we’re the same as past generations, but the pyramid of accumulated human knowledge is far taller. Helping students focus their curiosity toward specific areas is what drives progress. I remember asking my teacher how a television worked. Today, students ask, “How does ChatGPT respond so well?” The complexity is greater, but the wonder is still there. And what we call AI today will look outdated in 25 years. That’s exciting—and a reason to stay curious.
Final Invitation
If you're interested in learning how to use AI to build your own successful business, don’t miss my presentation tomorrow. There are also many excellent sessions scheduled—see you there!
