For those who believe that education is—and should be—in a state of constant evolution, Education in Beta Mode offers a space for exchange with those who study, research, and challenge the status quo of education, because teaching also means daring to learn.
Education and artificial intelligence at the center of the debate
The first season consists of three episodes that explore the relationship between education and artificial intelligence from different perspectives and experiences.
Each conversation aims to bridge the gap between reflection, research, teaching practice, and the student experience, in order to foster the collective construction of knowledge.
Throughout the episodes,a variety of voicesshare their reflections onquestions that are currently shaping the field of education: Does artificial intelligence prompt us to rethink the purpose of education? How is it transforming the ways we teach, learn, and assess? What skills are becoming essential in an era of automation and complementary roles between human and artificial intelligence?
The series is available on Spotify and on the Institute of Education's YouTube channel.
A collaborative production
The project marks a milestone for the Institute of Education: it is its first video podcast, produced with the support of the School of Communication at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Brian Majlin, a journalist and academic coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Content Creation,took the helm of the series and was responsible for interviewing the guests in each episode, fostering conversations that blend rigor, curiosity, and a personal touch.
On behalf of the Institute of Education, Renato Opertti, M.A. —advisor for international projects— and Denise Vaillant, Ph.D. —dean— led the overall management of the project. Meanwhile, Yael Ferreira, B.A. —web content manager— was responsible for producing the video podcast.
Episode 1: Roberto Balaguer
Artificial Intelligence: Between Algorithms and Humanity
What do artificial intelligence and an electric bicycle have in common? The comparison made by the psychologist, professor, and consultant serves as an excellent starting point for reflecting on the role and implications of this new tool in the field of education.
In the first episode of the video podcast, Roberto not only examines the transformative changes brought about by artificial intelligence —particularly in the way we think and understand ourselves as humans—but also highlights the current challenge in education: keeping the passion for learning alive in the age of algorithms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ox8fmjN0Pw
Listen to the episode on Spotify
Roberto Balaguer holds holds a Master’s degree in Educationfrom Universidad ORT Uruguay and holds a degree in psychology from the University of the Republic (Uruguay).
He currently works as a university professor, as well as a researcher and consultant on issues related to technology, education, and youth. He has led countless workshops and given numerous lectures throughout Latin America. With over thirty years of experience in educational institutions, he has directed the Link.spc Program (on ICTs and education) at St. Patrick’s College (Montevideo, Uruguay) since 2008.
Episode 2: Agustina Lazo
A teacher in training, a future in the making
Ever since she was a child, Agustina has imagined her future standing in front of a classroom. Today, as a student in the secondary education teacher training program, she experiences teaching from two perspectives: that of a learner and that of someone just starting to teach. Drawing on this unique experience, she shares how she incorporates artificial intelligence into her activities.
Taking a critical perspective, he asserts that technology can be an ally if used wisely, but it can never replace reflection or human connection. He discusses the value of making mistakes, as well as the need to prepare oneself to support and guide others in times of change. With this conviction, he puts forward a clear idea: the future of education is built by learning together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c-PQGTas7g
Listen to the episode on Spotify
Agustina Lazo is athird-year student in the Secondary Education Teacher Training Program, specializing in Biological Sciences, at the Centro Regional de Profesores del Centro, located in the department of Florida (Uruguay).
Born and raised in the countryside, she is 21 years old and comes from Ciudad del Carmen (Durazno, Uruguay). She is passionate about learning and constantly updating her knowledge.
Episode 3: Claudia Cabrera Borges
Being a Teacher and a Learner in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
From her early days in biology to discovering her calling as a teacher, Claudia shares how education came into her life and transformed it. In the latest episode of the video podcast, the teacher and researcher explores the act of teaching as an encounter capable of shaping others and leaving a lasting impact on those she mentors.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, Claudia also draws parallels with other revolutions she has experienced as an educator, and reflects on what changes and what remains the same. She challenges the myth of “digital natives,” advocates for the genuine integration of technology, and emphasizes that teacher training should be a lifelong process. Because, although education cannot do everything, it still has the power to change lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ftH7KxI7pk
Listen to the episode on Spotify
Claudia Cabrera Borges is Ph.D. in Education and a Master’s degree in Education from Universidad ORT Uruguay. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of the Republic (Uruguay) and is a biology teacher, having graduated from the Florida Teacher Training Institute.
Currently, in addition to serving as a professor and tutor at the Institute of Education at Universidad ORT Uruguay, she teaches biology and biology pedagogy at the Regional Teachers’ Center in Florida, Uruguay. She is also a Level I researcher in the Social Sciences, subfield of Education Sciences, within the National System of Researchers (SNI).