We live in a time when technology is advancing at an accelerated pace. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools are transforming how companies work, people learn, and organizations make decisions. In education, this movement is already a reality.
But amidst so many innovations, one question is gaining increasing prominence: what is the role of human beings in this new scenario? It was precisely this reflection that marked one of the most anticipated lectures at EduSummit 2026, held in Fortaleza, Ceará. Addressing hundreds of educators, administrators, and specialists, professor, historian, and writer Leandro Karnal reminded the audience that no technology can replace what makes education one of the pillars of society: people.
As a partner of the event, PagCorp closely followed these discussions. After all, if technology can simplify processes and make management more efficient, it should also allow schools and educational institutions to focus their efforts on what really makes a difference: developing people.
Education continues to be built by those who teach.
Right at the beginning of the lecture, Karnal brought a dose of humor to talk about the daily routine of teachers, a reality known to those who experience education on a daily basis.
“Working teachers slowly drag themselves to this point. You barely get home, and Sunday night depression is already approaching. I have a job that requires me to prepare lessons and grade tests when everyone in my family is eating pizza and drinking beer, and I'm grading tests. And the tests keep piling up at night. You graded one, only ten left; in the morning there are fifteen,” he joked.
But the relaxed atmosphere quickly gave way to one of the strongest messages of the presentation. "What separates this country from barbarism is right here in this space, this afternoon in Fortaleza," the thinker declared.
For Karnal, valuing teachers means recognizing that the development of any society inevitably depends on education.
No technology can replace those who inspire people.
Throughout the lecture, the historian argued that technological tools are welcome and can make learning more efficient, but he was keen to remind the audience that technology should not be confused with replacement.
“How good it is to resolve a doubt. How good it is to seek the synthesis of a book with Artificial Intelligence. That's good. Will AI take our place? No. There is no AI that will tolerate the fifth grade. What doesn't AI deliver to anyone? Socio-emotional skills, the ability to cope with moderate levels of stress, and the ability to deal with adversity,” Karnal stated.
This reflection reinforces the idea that technology can accelerate processes, organize information, and expand learning possibilities, but it remains incapable of reproducing empathy, listening, acceptance, inspiration, and the building of bonds—skills that are part of the essence of an educator's work.
Another topic addressed by Karnal was the impact of social media on people's behavior. While acknowledging the benefits provided by rapid access to information, he warned about the effects of constant comparison.
"Excessive use of social media leads to depression. The problem with social media is that it's a narrative. On social media, everyone is happy. Don't compare yourselves to anyone but yourselves," she revealed.
For the historian, preserving emotional health has become a skill as important as keeping up with technological changes.
Technology should strengthen (not replace) people's mission.
The main message left by Leandro Karnal directly relates to the debates held throughout EduSummit 2026. In a scenario of rapid transformations, technology should be seen as an ally capable of simplifying tasks, generating intelligence for decision-making, and making management more efficient.
That is precisely the purpose of the solutions developed by PagCorp. By automating financial processes, offering more control over corporate expenses, and reducing operational activities, technology begins to work for people, never in their place.
This perspective becomes even more relevant in the education sector. When managers stop dedicating hours to bureaucratic processes, they gain more time to invest in what truly transforms institutions: people, knowledge, and innovation.
At the end of the lecture, Karnal summarized this idea in a reflection that goes beyond the limits of the classroom and helps to explain why education continues to be the main tool for social transformation.
“Teaching is investing in the future. Beneath this layer of rebellion and boredom called adolescence, there is a well-hidden human being waiting to blossom,” he reminded.
In an increasingly technological world, this may have been the main message of EduSummit 2026: innovation will continue to change tools, processes, and management models. But it will always be people, with their experience, sensitivity, creativity, and ability to inspire, who will transform the future of Brazil and any other society.
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