San Juan, Argentina is making significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence into its educational system. The Ministry of Education recently launched the second edition of “AI está la cuestión” (AI is the question), a comprehensive training program designed to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize AI tools in the classroom. This initiative, embedded within the broader “Comprendo y Aprendo” (I Understand and Learn) provincial literacy plan, underscores a growing recognition of AI’s potential to transform education – and the critical require for educators to be prepared for this shift.
The program’s launch, held at the Eloy Camus auditorium, was led by Education Minister Silvia Fuentes. She emphasized that the goal isn’t to replace teachers, but to empower them. “This training cycle, which will extend throughout the year, aims to strengthen digital skills and promote the responsible utilize of AI as a support tool in teaching,” Fuentes stated, as reported by Diario de Cuyo. “Artificial intelligence will never replace the fundamental role of the teacher in the classroom, but we must learn to use it pedagogically.” This sentiment reflects a broader global conversation about the role of AI in education, balancing innovation with the irreplaceable value of human educators.
A Province-Wide Initiative to Build AI Literacy
“AI está la cuestión” isn’t a one-off workshop; it’s a structured, year-long professional development program backed by ministerial resolution and offering teachers release time for participation. The initial sessions, held on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, focused on educators from Initial Level, Primary Level, Adult Education Primary, and specialist teachers. Training will continue on Friday with Secondary and Higher Level teachers, as well as advanced teacher education students, according to Codigo Docente. This phased approach ensures that educators across all levels of the San Juan education system have access to the training.
The curriculum itself is designed to be practical and relevant. Key areas of focus include leveraging AI to support learning without diminishing the importance of play in early childhood, enhancing literacy and writing skills in digital environments, applying AI in Initial and Primary levels, fostering critical thinking from a young age, and establishing guidelines for the responsible use of digital tools. Crucially, the program also emphasizes the design of classroom models that integrate AI in a didactic and meaningful way. This isn’t about simply introducing technology; it’s about rethinking pedagogy in the age of AI.
Building on Previous Success
This year’s launch builds on the success of the inaugural “AI está la cuestión” program in 2025. Last year, over 2,000 teachers from all levels and modalities participated, reaching 370 educational institutions across the province, as noted in reports from Diario Huarpe. The initiative also culminated in the First Provincial Congress on AI applied to Education, marking a significant milestone in integrating this topic into the pedagogical agenda. This prior experience has informed the structure and content of the 2026 program, allowing for a more refined and impactful learning experience.
The expansion of the program reflects a broader trend in Argentina and globally, where governments and educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the need to prepare educators for the integration of AI. While specific approaches vary, the underlying goal remains consistent: to ensure that AI is used to enhance, not detract from, the quality of education. The San Juan initiative stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining sustained professional development with a focus on pedagogical innovation.
The Role of Governor Orrego
Minister Fuentes highlighted the support of Governor Marcelo Orrego for the initiative, stating that the program aligns with his vision for the province’s education system. “This cycle of formation…consolidates it as a support tool in the perform of the teacher, as our governor Marcelo Orrego asks of us,” she explained. This political backing is crucial for the program’s sustainability and long-term success, ensuring that AI integration remains a priority for the San Juan government.
Addressing Concerns and Promoting Responsible AI Use
The program’s emphasis on responsible AI use is particularly noteworthy. As AI becomes more prevalent in education, concerns about bias, privacy, and ethical implications are growing. “AI está la cuestión” directly addresses these concerns by providing teachers with the tools and knowledge to critically evaluate AI tools and use them in a way that is equitable and ethical. This includes understanding the limitations of AI, recognizing potential biases in algorithms, and protecting student data.
The initiative also acknowledges the importance of maintaining the human element in education. As Minister Fuentes clearly stated, AI is not intended to replace teachers. Instead, it’s seen as a tool to augment their abilities, freeing them up to focus on the more nuanced aspects of teaching, such as building relationships with students, fostering creativity, and providing individualized support. This balanced approach is essential for ensuring that AI is used to enhance, rather than diminish, the quality of education.
Looking Ahead: Continued Investment in AI Education
The launch of the second edition of “AI está la cuestión” signals a continued commitment from the San Juan Ministry of Education to invest in AI literacy for its teachers. The program’s success in 2025, coupled with the strong support from Governor Orrego, suggests that this initiative will continue to evolve and expand in the years to reach. As AI technology continues to advance, ongoing professional development will be crucial for ensuring that San Juan’s educators remain at the forefront of innovation.
The next step for the program involves the continuation of training sessions for Secondary and Higher Level teachers and advanced teacher education students on Friday, February 27th, 2026. Further updates on the program’s progress and future initiatives will be available through the San Juan Ministry of Education’s official channels. The province’s proactive approach to AI integration serves as a model for other regions looking to harness the power of this transformative technology to improve educational outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- San Juan Province is investing heavily in AI training for teachers through the “AI está la cuestión” program.
- The program emphasizes responsible AI use and the importance of maintaining the human element in education.
- Over 2,000 teachers participated in the program in 2025, reaching 370 educational institutions.
- The initiative is supported by Governor Marcelo Orrego and backed by ministerial resolution.
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