Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Dr Mark Smith says artificial intelligence (AI) is the most significant innovation in human history, and is calling for its increased use in the local education system, arguing that, without its use, the nation will be left behind in the global technological shift.

Smith, who was addressing delegates aligned to Jamaica’s more than 22,000 public schools at the recent JTA education conference in Trelawny, described the rise of AI as a “seismic event” that will profoundly alter not only how learning takes place, but how societies function.

“In the grand scheme of human innovation, it has now eclipsed the development of the transistor, the splitting of the atom, and the creation of the World Wide Web,” said Smith. “This is such a seismic event that most individuals have not yet begun to understand the full gravity of the change we are seeing, and the reciprocal actions we must take to ensure that we position our small island state to take full advantage of this change.”

According to Smith, technology is paving the way for infinite access to knowledge in a way that no previous generation has ever experienced, noting that, with this access, the implications for learning, development, and nation-building are tremendous. He further pointed out that AI not only impacts what teachers do in their classrooms, but also business, economics, commodities, and politics as we know them.

“This is an ugly, disruptive breakthrough that we are seeing, and it’s going to break our concepts of economics, societies, and how we interact with each other, with huge winners on one side and losers on the other,” explained Smith. “Artificial intelligence will juxtapose huge opportunities with catastrophic inequities if we are not careful and if it is not managed effectively.”

While acknowledging the benefits of technological advancement, Smith nonetheless raised concerns about access and equity, pointing to the disparity between urban and rural schools. He warned that without deliberate intervention, AI could deepen existing inequalities.

“As a result (of the disparity), many of our rural schools are being left behind,” stated Smith, in outlining that AI will force us to rethink how society functions.

“We have to ensure that this transformation provides equal opportunities across our island,” said Smith, lamenting that AI will force us to rethink how society functions.

He went on to praise recent initiatives by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to partner with Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, to roll out internet services in rural schools as part of efforts to bridge the digital and technological divide.

In speaking directly to teachers, Smith urged them to embrace AI and adapt to the changing landscape, noting that teachers must now see themselves not just as providers of content, but as facilitators of thought, creativity, and critical engagement.

“As teachers, we should not be daunted or afraid of artificial intelligence, but embrace it for the opportunities it brings,” urged Smith, in projecting AI’s potential as a tool for national development, once there is vigilance regarding its ethical and equitable implementation.

“This is a moment of great potential. If managed wisely, AI can become the engine that propels our education system and our country into a brighter more inclusive future,” added Smith.