Schools in Medellín are adjusting to the city’s desire for digital transformation. Not everyone has equal access, resulting in a digital divide that impacts learning results.
Technology is transforming education by increasing the effectiveness of study, research, and teamwork. However, questions regarding learning equity are raised by pupils’ disparate levels of digital literacy and unequal access to digital technologies.
A World Economic Forum analysis predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a major factor in education in the future, with automation and adaptive learning enhancing student performance. AI can also help students customize their study habits and make learning more engaging, according to research by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“AI-powered tools help me research faster, summarize complex topics, and even generate practice questions for exams. Digital platforms also make learning more flexible since I can revisit lessons anytime,” Juana Upegui, senior, said.
But not every student has equal access to AI technologies. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), students’ capacity to gain from AI-driven learning is significantly impacted by their level of digital literacy and the availability of devices.
“Some students have better devices or know how to use AI more effectively, while others struggle because they weren’t introduced to digital tools early on. It’s not just about access but also about digital literacy,” Upegui added.
Although these resources improve learning, students must also deal with issues like overuse and distractions. According to EdTech Magazine studies, unchecked AI use may result in a decrease in deep learning and an excessive dependence on automated solutions.
“One big challenge is distractions. With so much information online, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Also, not all teachers fully understand AI and digital tools yet, so sometimes they don’t allow us to use them effectively,” Upegui explained.
Digital platforms have revolutionized student-teacher cooperation beyond research and study. According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), students may work more productively thanks to AI and digital platforms that offer real-time collaboration chances and rapid feedback.
“We can share documents, work on projects in real-time, and even get quick feedback from teachers through digital platforms. It makes group work much easier,” Amalia Hinestrosa, an 11th grader, said.
Students are also better prepared for future occupations by the move toward AI in education. According to McKinsey & Company research, enterprises will need AI expertise more and more, thus, early exposure is essential.
“Being exposed to digital tools at school makes me feel ready for the future job market. We’re learning how to use AI, automation, and remote work tools early on, which gives us an advantage in almost any career,” Hinestrosa emphasized.
Still, AI implementation in schools remains a work in progress. Many teachers lack sufficient training to integrate AI into their classrooms effectively, limiting its benefits.
“Not all teachers know how to implement AI tools in lessons, so sometimes we don’t get to use them to their full potential,” Hinestrosa observed.
AI’s influence on education extends beyond classrooms; industry insiders emphasize its increasing significance. Medellín’s investment in digital education will influence how students study and work in the years to come, according to Andrés Moreno, an AI researcher at Ruta N.
“AI-driven education is not just about making learning easier—it’s about preparing students for an economy where digital skills are essential,” Juana Molina, senior, said.
With initiatives like Medellín Digital that seek to close the digital divide by offering resources and training, Medellín has established itself as a pioneer in technological innovation. However, issues like infrastructure and cost still exist.
“The key is ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to the same tools and training. Otherwise, AI will widen the gap instead of closing it,” Molina said.
At The Columbus School, AI-powered technologies have revolutionized teaching by increasing the effectiveness of research, study, and teamwork. Schools must figure out how to ensure AI improves education for all children, not just those with access to or understanding of it already, as Medellín continues its digital transition.
“I feel like I’m getting a head start on the future. AI and digital tools are already shaping industries, so learning how to use them now gives me an advantage. Medellín’s investment in technology has exposed us to the tools we’ll need in college and our careers, which is something not every city has,” Upegui said.