Meet Massimo Pescatori

In an era defined by rapid technological advances, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of transformative change—especially within education. Massimo Pescatori, a high school Computer Science teacher at Liceo Vito Volterra in Ciampino, Italy, is an advocate for integrating AI into the school curriculum. With over ten years of teaching experience, he recognizes the crucial role both students and educators play in leveraging cutting-edge technology that is already shaping the future workforce.

Recently, his students developed a virtual assistant using IBM watsonx, enabling them to engage in Socratic dialogue—a method of conversation that explores ideas and encourages critical thinking. As Massimo explains, “the fact that they themselves are the creators of a program that implements the Socratic dialogue allowed them to delve into the topic excellently, as they would otherwise not have been able to develop the application.” He believes that educators have a critical responsibility to guide learners through the complexities of AI. This can only happen under the guidance of teachers, who therefore have a fundamental role in this process.

In his quest to foster a forward-thinking educational environment, Massimo provides a diverse array of resources that cater to students’ interests and academic development. He recognizes that adaptive learning is essential, noting, “a traditional face-to-face course inevitably leaves students with limited choices,” and therefore, learning paths must be individualized. This approach not only nurtures students’ passions but also develops critical competencies essential for their future careers.

Yet, the potential of AI extends beyond the classroom, and it is vital to address the growing skills mismatch. A recent report by IBM in collaboration with The European House-Ambrosetti reveals that many individuals lack the necessary technical skills to adapt to new AI-driven roles. By 2030, AI is expected to influence over 83% of tasks in major job groups analyzed, with more than 60% of those tasks being augmented rather than automated. In addition, over 450 million workers will need upskilling by 2030 with more than 30% (136 million) relying on non-traditional educational pathways, like online courses and digital credentials.

Massimo firmly believes that educators play a crucial role in bridging this gap. To thrive in an AI-driven economy, students must gain a comprehensive understanding of how the technology operates and learn to program simple neural networks—a computational model inspired by the human brain designed to recognize patterns and solve problems through data analysis.

AI’s role in education is reshaping curriculum design and student engagement. “Learning can only be exciting if a degree of autonomy is left to the students,” stresses Massimo. By championing student-centered projects, he empowers learners to take charge of their educational experiences, fostering creativity and critical thinking—skills that will be indispensable in the workforce.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, the insights from dedicated educators like Massimo Pescatori become increasingly vital. By integrating AI into the curriculum and nurturing a culture of innovation, teachers can equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.