Puerto Rico advances AI integration in public education with new legislative proposals

The recent meeting of the Cámara de Representantes in Puerto Rico on April 21, 2025, focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in public education, highlighting the proposed Cámara 427 project. This initiative aims to align with Law 85 of 2018, which emphasizes a humanistic approach to AI in education.

The discussion underscored the potential of the Cámara 427 project to innovate educational practices by incorporating AI tools. Key to its success will be ensuring equitable access to technology, ongoing training for teachers, and the establishment of a robust data protection framework. The Department of Education expressed support for the project, contingent upon the allocation of a recurring budget.

Additionally, the meeting referenced Senate Bill 348, which complements the Cámara 427 initiative by seeking to enhance educational quality and reduce learning gaps through AI integration. The proposal also includes adapting existing regulations to promote responsible AI use in schools.

Antonio Ramos Guardiola, the executive director of Pritz, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico to evaluate the pilot program effectively. He suggested involving experts in linguistics and neurolinguistics to enrich the program's design and assessment. Furthermore, he recommended including a technology expert in the evaluation committee to ensure rigorous oversight of the AI components.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the challenges of internet access in various communities, raising questions about the feasibility of implementing AI across all schools. The representatives acknowledged the need for a strategic approach to overcome these barriers and prioritize AI initiatives in the education sector.