Spanish Teachers Win Award for AI Use

Fina Paulos and Óscar Rey, teachers at a public school in Zas, Spain, received an award for integrating artificial intelligence into their rural classroom. The pair demonstrated how AI can elevate student learning, emphasizing critical thinking and values alongside digital skills. They share their methods through workshops following increased interest from the Ministry of Education.

Paulos and Rey actively counter narratives that portray AI solely as a shortcut for assignments. They’ve used the technology to help students explore philosophical concepts, create art, and even develop assistive communication tools for community members with disabilities. A recent ESADE study confirms that AI is most effective when it supports, rather than replaces, cognitive effort.

Despite growing access to technology—with 100% of Spanish schools connected to the internet—roughly 35% of secondary school teachers currently use AI for instruction, often citing a lack of training. Regional disparities in digital resources also remain significant, with some communities lacking adequate infrastructure for online learning. The teachers continue to advocate for responsible AI implementation, believing it can foster a more engaged and human-centered learning experience.