XXXII Augustinian Classroom of Education 2026: AI with a teaching heart

More than 400 Augustinian teachers from across Spain participated in the opening of the 32nd Augustinian Education Forum 2026, a well-established space for training, pedagogical reflection, and fraternal encounter. This year, the event was held under the theme "AI with a teaching heart," inviting participants to delve deeper into the dialogue between technological innovation and educational humanism.

Our teachers actively participated in this event, which inspires us to continue growing as educators committed to a holistic, humanistic, and meaningful education. We understand education as a community process: we are a learning community. Therefore, being present in this space helps us discern how to integrate new technologies without losing what is most valuable: the individual, the educational relationship, and close support.

First day: interiority and technology with meaning

The inauguration, on February 21, was marked by the words of Sister Ana María Guantay, Superior General of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters. In a cultural context profoundly shaped by technological acceleration, she emphasized that this moment represents “a very valuable opportunity” for Augustinian education.

Far from presenting artificial intelligence as a threat, she presented it as a provocation and a challenge. The key, she affirmed, is not to lose sight of our roots: interiority, encounter, and community. In a world marked by hyperconnectivity and constant externality, the thought of Saint Augustine offers a solid anchor: returning to the heart to live rooted in this time.

The nun insisted on an essential pedagogical dynamic: teachers and students walk together. “We won’t do it alone.” The educational relationship is understood as a mutual learning process, where humility and communion strengthen the Augustinian identity.

“Interiority, the capacity for encounter, and authentic relationships are central elements that we cannot afford to overlook,” he emphasized in his address. In an environment that fosters constant externality and distraction, the thought of Saint Augustine offers an anchor: returning to the inner self to find meaning and, from there, serving others.

Technology with a roadmap

On the same day, Tirso Maldonado and César Poyatos also spoke, offering complementary perspectives from the field of educational innovation.

Maldonado warned against the mistake of implementing technologies without a genuine transformation of processes and mindsets. Artificial intelligence cannot be treated as a simple search engine; it requires deep understanding, training in prompt design, and a clear, people-centered strategy.

For his part, Poyatos insisted that “prohibition does not educate.” In the face of fear, he proposed critical, ethical, and secure digital literacy. He pointed out real risks—disinformation, bias, and inequality—but also the potential of AI to personalize learning, always with the teacher as an irreplaceable mediator.

The day concluded with a concert by the Escolanía del Escorial choir, which provided a moment of beauty and contemplation, reminding everyone that holistic education also includes the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions.

Second day: Eucharist, discernment and sending

The second day began at 8:30 p.m. with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Friar Carlos González Castellanos, OAR, Provincial Prior of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, along with about twenty priests.

The celebration was an act of thanksgiving for the gathering, a prayer for the opening of schools to new technologies, and a grateful remembrance of the educators who have preceded them in the Augustinian mission in Spain.

In his homily, Friar Carlos placed the gathering within a Lenten context: conversion, interiority, and overcoming temptations. He reminded the participants that true progress springs from the heart and that prudence—not ostentation or unnecessary risk—is the sure path in the face of challenges. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving were presented as “wings” that elevate the spiritual life and sustain any authentic renewal.

Artificial intelligence and pastoral heart

The academic discussion continued with a presentation by Charo Fernández Aguirre, who shifted the focus to the anthropological and pastoral dimensions. Artificial intelligence can assist, organize, and optimize processes, but it cannot replace human accompaniment.

To educate is to accompany, discern, and support. Technology challenges the heart of the teacher, but it does not replace it. The key is not choosing between a person or a tool, but rather developing critical thinking skills to think with and about technology.

Closure: the person in the center

The closing remarks were delivered by Friar Antonio Carrón de la Torre, OAR, General Councilor and head of the Educar Network. At a historic moment when the Church is actively reflecting on artificial intelligence, he emphasized that the person must always remain at the center.

He proposed three clear lines of action: educating for AI (ethical and critical competence), educating about AI (understanding how it works), and educating with AI (integrating it pedagogically). He stressed the importance of always avoiding making the tool the sole focus of education and reaffirming that the foundation of the Christian educational mission is Jesus Christ.

Innovate without losing your soul

The 32nd Augustinian Education Conference 2026 has shown that it is possible to combine innovation and tradition, technique and transcendence, professional competence and pastoral heart.

Artificial intelligence presents unprecedented challenges. But the response is not fear or naive fascination, but discernment. In Augustinian classrooms, the future is not built solely with algorithms, but with educators who believe in each student as a unique person, called to truth and goodness.

Humanizing technology from the heart of the charism: that has been the shared horizon.