A central theme for ISE, artificial intelligence (AI) also stands at the heart of the Congress. Alicia comments: “We’re going to talk about artificial intelligence… as something that has already been normalised in education because our young people have normalised it. For us, it is a world; for them, it is a tool.” While adults may still be awed by rapid technological advances, teenagers have adapted seamlessly, viewing generative AI as just another part of their digital toolkit. This generational shift is accelerating the adoption of AI in education, prompting schools and ministries to respond with new training programmes and policies. 

She emphasises that the rise of AI is driving a renewed focus on critical and computational thinking for students: “They need to ask proper questions. That’s critical thinking. That’s computational thinking. These are like two new competencies that have always been on the table of a curriculum, but not in the same way as now.” As AI becomes embedded in classrooms, students are challenged to engage more deeply, developing skills that go beyond rote learning. 

The Congress will also address the delicate balance between embracing technology and managing societal concerns. “Families and society are a bit concerned on the excessive use of social [media],” Alicia notes, highlighting the need for thoughtful regulation, especially for younger students. She points out that while some countries have introduced bans on digital devices in primary schools, there is a growing recognition that regulation rather than outright prohibition is the way forward. 

Robotics and computational thinking

Robotics, another ISE 2026 Megatrend, also emerges as a major theme at the EdTech Congress, both as a tool for computational thinking and as a gateway to gamification in education. “Robotics for us is one of the main tools for computational thinking and for critical thinking,” she explains. She describes projects where students build and program robots to solve real-world problems, such as sustainability in classrooms, and participate in competitions designed to foster teamwork and innovation. 

Gamification, particularly through robotics and subject-specific gaming tools, is seen as a powerful way to engage students – though she cautions that age-appropriateness is key: “You cannot start with them when they are six or seven or eight. We need to start later. That’s important.” 

Lifelong learning and professional training are also in the spotlight. Alicia envisions a future where technology supports continuous education through micro-credentials and digital CVs: “We need technology also to follow up; throughout blockchain or micro-credentials or whatever. But we need to create this virtual CV of all of us with all the courses that we have already done.” This shift reflects the reality that education now extends far beyond traditional classrooms, encompassing corporate training and ongoing personal development. 

What does the future hold? 

Looking ahead, she predicts that investment in education technology will focus on robotics, accessibility, inclusion, and diversity. She also highlights the need to reduce bureaucracy through AI-driven data management and to prioritise security and interoperability standards, underpinning the increasingly global nature of edtech which will be explored at the Congress. For Alicia, her work with the European Tech Alliance, as well as partnerships with Latin America, South Korea, and New Zealand, underscores the importance of international collaboration in shaping the future of education. 

In summary, the EdTech Congress will be a forum for reimagining education, where technology, innovation, and international perspectives converge. As Alicia puts it, “They should come because they will see a place where we are shaping the future of education and training… using technology to professionalise students.” 

Stay informed!

Education technology is a key area at ISE, both on the show floor and in the content programme.

ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 3-6 February 2026. For more updates on edtech, and to discover more about ISE 2026 as details are released, sign up for updates.

Don't miss out – join our community today and keep up to speed with all the latest industry trends.