The National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) will be focusing on artificial intelligence in education at its upcoming convention. The event, scheduled for April 22-24 in Orlando, Florida, will bring together over 3,200 teachers and school administrators. The NCEA aims to showcase AI tools and resources, providing guidance on integrating AI ethically and effectively within Catholic schools. A primary focus will be developing a faith-based response to AI.
about 2 months ago
The National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) is holding its 2025 Convention in Orlando, Florida, from April 22-24 2. The event is expected to gather over 3,200 teachers and school administrators, making it one of the largest private education gatherings in the nation 2. The convention aims to "engage, empower, and inspire everyone who serves in Catholic education" 2.
A major focus of the NCEA 2025 Convention is developing a faith-based response to artificial intelligence (AI) in education 2. Conference speakers will highlight how to build faith-based policies around AI 2. The convention seeks to address AI from a faith-based perspective to help Catholic school educators "to lead with both innovation and integrity" 2.
Keynotes and breakout sessions on AI will address "its ethical considerations in a faith-based context" 2. The conference will examine "how AI tools can be integrated to support — not replace — the vocation of education" 2. Author and educator Dan Fitzpatrick and Holy Cross priest and educator Father Nate Wills will give keynote addresses on AI 2. These conversations aim to provide participants with "a clear, mission-centered framework for navigating this fast-moving field" 2.
Besides AI, the convention will feature breakout sessions on various topics, including promoting student success and addressing mental health 2. Integrating students with intellectual and developmental disabilities will also be discussed 2. Other sessions will highlight developing a Catholic culture, addressing teacher burnout, and transitioning to a classical curriculum 2. The convention will also address the impact of school choice programs 2.
The NCEA 2025 Convention will proceed as scheduled following the death of Pope Francis 2. The association president and CEO, Steven Cheeseman, stated that they would pray for the late Holy Father 2. Cheeseman noted that Pope Francis' witness of humility and joy inspires Catholic educators 2.
Catholic Church: What is the nature of authentic human intelligence?
The Catholic Church views authentic human intelligence as a gift from God, designed for understanding truth and living out our identity as beings made in God's image . It surpasses the material universe and allows us to share in the light of the divine mind .
Human intelligence is described as "God's gift fashioned for the assimilation of truth" . This implies that our capacity for intellectual understanding is not merely a product of natural processes but a specific endowment from the Creator, purposed for recognizing and embracing truth. God bestowed his Spirit upon human beings so that they might have skills and knowledge .
Authentic human intelligence involves more than just acquiring data or skills . It includes rational reflection and faith, revealing that God placed humanity at the summit of creation . A complete view of human intelligence integrates various aspects of human experience, including reason, emotion, and spiritual insight, to achieve a holistic understanding .
Human intelligence is inherently oriented towards truth . It enables us to probe the meaning of things and establish an order within the world, always seeking a deeper understanding . Some overestimate human faculties, but human intelligence is a participation in the divine light .