"Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Education: What Should We Learn?" is the central theme that will guide all panel discussions and lectures at the Bett Nordeste Conference. Held in Recife (PE), the conference is supported by the Union of Municipal Education Directors (Undime).

"The Bett Nordeste Conference addresses topics that are currently on the education agenda, focusing on the major challenges we face, especially regarding social-emotional intelligence," notes Alessio Costa Lima, Municipal Director of Education for Ibaretama, Ceará, and National President of Undime.

He points out that, in the post-pandemic period, the lingering effects of the pandemic and the worsening of social problems have increased tensions in schools, requiring teachers to be better prepared to deal with these differences and challenges in their relationships with students and families, as well as with issues of violence.

"These social problems end up spilling over into the school, affecting the emotional well-being of students and teachers. That is why it is crucial to focus on the social-emotional development of educators. They need to be well in order to provide a quality education and ensure that their students are also well," he points out.

Lima also discusses the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the modern educational context. “AI is already part of our daily lives, often without us even realizing it. From credit analysis to the use of social media, artificial intelligence has a profound impact on our lives. In school, it should be seen as a window of opportunity,” he says.

He compared the arrival of AI in schools to the introduction of the calculator in the past, which initially caused panic. “We survived the calculator, which is now in our cell phones and everywhere. Now we have AI, which makes it easier to write texts and to organize and systematize knowledge. Artificial intelligence does not replace teachers; it is a tool that enhances our ability to handle large volumes of information quickly and in an organized manner,” explains Lima.

He emphasized the need for educators to embrace the tools and the many possibilities offered by AI. “The more we embrace these technologies, the better we will use them. And it is essential that this be done ethically. It is up to schools to prepare students to use these tools responsibly, preventing cheating and plagiarism,” he says.

The Undime representative concludes that the choice of topics for the Bett Nordeste Conference was the right one. “The conference provides educators in the Northeast with the opportunity to become familiar with artificial intelligence and explore the real possibilities for its use in the classroom and at school. It is, without a doubt, a window of opportunity for education,” he concludes.

The Bett Nordeste Conference will be held on September 4 and 5 at the Recife Expo Center. The event’s opening ceremony, on September 4 at 10 a.m., will be attended by Andreika Asseker Amarante, president of the Union of Municipal Education Directors of Pernambuco (Undime-PE); Fred Amancio, Recife’s Secretary of Education; and José Ricardo Dias Diniz, president of the Private Schools Union (SINEPE-PE).

Higher-quality education, inclusion, and equity

"The discussion on improving the quality of education—both in Pernambuco and in the other states of the Northeast, as well as throughout the country—necessarily involves providing a more equitable and inclusive education," says Lima. He emphasizes that the main challenges lie in transforming our public schools and school systems into ones capable of including all children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring that everyone has access to education and, more importantly, stays in school to learn.

The president of Undime Nacional points out that, in addition to inclusion, it is essential to promote equity in education. “It is necessary that, regardless of racial or socioeconomic differences, all students have the same opportunities for learning and development. An education can only be considered high-quality if it is available to everyone,” he emphasizes.

He warns that a quality education that serves only a portion of the population is not truly a quality education. “This type of education favors certain groups and contributes to increasing social segregation.” The greatest challenge in education today—whether in Pernambuco, the Northeast, or across the country—is ensuring that our school systems guarantee access for the entire population, from early childhood education through high school. We need to ensure that young people stay in school, that they do not drop out, and that this learning is effective and accessible to all,” concludes Lima.

Schedule

There will be more than 50 speakers spread across three concurrent sessions. Among the panels focused on the public sector are: “Innovating to Transform: Innovation in Education in Recife,” featuring Marcelo Dantas, general manager of innovation at the Recife Department of Education; and “The Impact of AI and Gamification on Educational Transformation in the Municipality of Domingos Mourão, Piauí” – featuring Érica Graziela Benicio, Municipal Director of Education for Domingos Mourão, Piauí, and Bernard Caffé, CEO of Jovens Gênios.

Confirmed speakers include leading educators and experts from the Northeast region, such as: Pierre Lucena (Porto Digital); Luciano Meira (UFPE); Patrycia Alves (UPE); Rossandro Klinjey (Educa); Tanci Simões (CESAR School); André Neves (UFPE); and many more! Check out the full schedule here.

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