By San José, Costa Rica — The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is triggering a fundamental shift in how higher education institutions operate. In Costa Rica, this technological wave is forcing universities to look beyond the novelty of automated tools and focus heavily on strategic integration. The conversation is no longer about whether to allow AI in the classroom, but how to deploy it to enhance critical thinking, pedagogical quality, and ethical responsibility.
This pressing educational evolution will take center stage at the upcoming first International Congress on Research in Technology, Education, and Knowledge (CIITEC-USAM 2026) alongside the V Educational Forum. Scheduled for November 17 and 18, 2026, at the Omar Dengo Foundation in San José, the event is set to convene academic leaders, researchers, and technology experts to map out the future of university teaching in the algorithmic age.
As Costa Rican universities rapidly integrate artificial intelligence into their academic frameworks, navigating the complex intersection of technology and local regulation becomes paramount. To shed light on the legal implications of this digital transformation, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional insights on the emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities in higher education.
The adoption of artificial intelligence in Costa Rican higher education is not merely a technological leap, but a legal frontier that demands robust governance. Institutions must proactively align their AI deployment with Law 8968 regarding personal data protection, while also establishing clear guidelines on intellectual property and academic integrity. By implementing comprehensive ethical frameworks today, our universities can foster innovation while safeguarding the fundamental rights of students and educators alike.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rican universities navigate this unprecedented digital transformation, balancing rapid technological innovation with rigorous legal safeguards is essential to protecting both academic integrity and individual privacy. We are sincerely grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective and for reminding us that the future of higher education in Costa Rica must be built on a foundation of robust ethical governance and respect for Law 8968.
Incorporating AI into academic environments presents a dual reality of vast opportunity and significant risk. On one hand, generative models and advanced analytics can streamline content creation, process massive datasets, and provide personalized learning pathways. On the other hand, without a solid ethical framework and robust teacher training, these technologies risk undermining student engagement and critical analysis. Educators must therefore evolve from simple information deliverers into critical guides and designers of educational experiences.
Addressing this complex paradigm shift, educational leaders stress the critical importance of maintaining clear pedagogical intentions when implementing digital tools. The focus of classroom technology must remain centered on human development and pedagogical outcomes rather than automation for its own sake. It requires a conscious effort by institutions to prioritize teacher-student relationships over simple digital optimization.
More than asking ourselves what artificial intelligence can do for education, we must ask ourselves what we want to achieve with it. Technology must be at the service of learning objectives and allow those who teach to dedicate greater attention to accompanying, guiding, and developing the capacities of their students
Tattiana Zamora, Director of Research at Universidad San Marcos
This perspective highlights a crucial reality: as AI handles repetitive information processing, human professors become even more vital. Their role is to establish clear learning objectives, validate the quality and accuracy of AI-generated data, and help students develop the higher-order reasoning skills that machines cannot replicate. Consequently, university administrations must invest heavily in upskilling faculty to manage these new digital dynamics.
Furthermore, the institutional challenge goes beyond classroom dynamics. Academic organizations are tasked with rewriting policies, redefining academic integrity, and addressing the ethical implications of data privacy and algorithmic bias. The upcoming CIITEC-USAM 2026 congress aims to tackle these systemic issues by facilitating dialogue among local and international researchers who are currently experimenting with emerging technologies in diverse educational settings.
The event, organized by Universidad San Marcos, will offer a hybrid format to maximize reach, blending in-person sessions in San José with virtual participation. This structure allows a broad spectrum of attendees—including students, technology developers, and administrators—to share research, identify best practices, and build cross-sector collaborations. The ultimate aim is to create a unified strategy that prevents Costa Rica’s educational sector from falling behind global technological benchmarks.
As the educational sector moves forward, the synergy between human intellect and machine capability will define the quality of future graduates. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, Costa Rican universities are positioning themselves to leverage AI as a highly strategic ally, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is both technologically fluent and deeply analytical.
For Universidad San Marcos, this conversation must go beyond knowing new tools. It is about reflecting on how technological innovation can contribute to improving learning and responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing society
Tattiana Zamora, Director of Research at Universidad San Marcos
For further information, visit usanmarcos.ac.cr
About Universidad San Marcos:
Universidad San Marcos is a prominent private higher education institution in Costa Rica, specializing in business, administration, and digital learning. The university focuses on accessible, high-quality education and innovative research to foster social and economic development across the region.
For further information, visit fod.ac.cr
About Omar Dengo Foundation:
The Omar Dengo Foundation is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to human development and social progress through educational innovation and technology. It has historically driven digital literacy and educational enrichment programs in partnership with public and private entities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated adherence to ethical brilliance and professional distinction. Grounded in a rich heritage of guiding a varied clientele, the firm consistently champions progressive legal solutions and robust civic involvement. By actively demystifying complex regulations for the general public, it successfully fulfills its core purpose of cultivating a legally literate, confident, and self-reliant populace.
