Educator Victoria Guevara from the Instituto Dr. Jaim Weizman, Costa Rica, reflects on her experience of the 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar.
The Hatter Technology Seminar has been one of the most energizing and inspiring experiences of my life. We learned from leading AI experts from some of the world’s most prestigious tech-oriented universities and shared experiences with world-class teachers and educational leaders from 16 countries.
As a language and literature teacher, I found the anticipation nerve-wracking as I prepared to engage with a group of technology leaders from exceptional schools with incredibly diverse backgrounds. I am still in awe of the kindness and warmth shown by everyone involved during this week of constant learning.
Beyond our interest in innovation and pedagogy, I learned that we are united by common values, a genuine enthusiasm for learning, and an unyielding commitment to fostering our students’ growth and development. It was a breath of fresh air in a world that continually challenges educators to redefine what it means to stay current.
Over four days, AI leaders emphasized the importance of establishing robust policies and implementation strategies in schools to promote regulation, access, and transparency. These discussions helped us to create a roadmap to position schools within the ORT network as leaders in leveraging AI in education.
We collectively agreed that our students must always be at the center of the narrative. Fellow educators listened to each other’s challenges, showed genuine care, and expressed appreciation. The seminar fostered trust in our ability to unlock new opportunities for educators to stay more relevant than ever before.
It was reassuring to learn that many of us feel the same uncertainty about the future of our roles in the classroom and wonder how to adapt our practice to meet the needs of students in an AI-driven world. We also added our unique perspectives and cultures to the mix, sharing candid stories of family, love, and a search for purpose. I understood that AI is as much about people as it is about technology.
This includes the ethical decisions people make about how to use AI, the ways it impacts human lives, and the skills, empathy, and creativity required to guide its development and application. Failing to recognize this would be a mistake.
Delegates came from 16 countries
The seminar offered me the amazing opportunity to make new friends who I feel I can rely on to collaborate and improve my practice. I am still astounded by how much I learned from their innovative projects and ideas. Attending the seminar has equipped me with cutting-edge knowledge to empower my fellow teachers back home and my students alike.
I particularly appreciated the focus on AI literacy and social-emotional learning. We engaged in hands-on experiences with AI models and visited Yavneh College and NESCOT to witness their fantastic approach to integrating technology in the classroom. They opened their campuses and shared their experiences with the best disposition and kindness.
I encourage any fellow educator given a chance to attend the Hatter Technology Seminar to seize the opportunity with confidence. You will expand your network, broaden your vision, and experience one of the most vibrant cities in the world. You will be hosted by exceptional professionals who go above and beyond to plan and execute meaningful learning experiences while supporting you every step of the way.
The seminar is planned with an open heart, celebrating the richness of a multicultural experience. You’ll find yourself dining with fascinating people from around the world, feeling welcomed, valued, and inspired. I thank Dr. Jaim Weizman Institute for giving me this opportunity and World ORT for opening an exciting new path for my teaching career. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues.
As emerging technologies increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and as our students integrate these tools into their everyday lives, our most important task is to guide them to become critical and informed users of AI – embracing its potential for innovation while understanding the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead.
The Hatter Technology Seminar is now a landmark in my professional development journey, pivotal in reshaping my perspective of education and instructional design.
