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Shillong, Aug. 4:

Don Bosco Technical School Shillong Promotes Responsible AI Use Through Workshop and Debate

4 August 2026

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News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)

Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS), Shillong, organised a day-long programme on July 31 on artificial intelligence (AI), critical thinking, communication, and responsible use of technology. The programme included a workshop and an inter-department debate competition.

The programme began with the workshop "Empowering Students Through AI," led by Br. Sniawshngain Papang, Vice Principal of DBTS Shillong. Addressing students, he outlined the growing significance of AI in education, technical training, creativity, research, productivity, and the evolving workplace, and demonstrated practical ways AI can enhance learning and skill development. He emphasised that technology should complement, rather than replace, human intelligence and creativity.

Students were encouraged to approach AI with responsibility and ethical awareness, maintaining independent thinking, sound judgement, practical competence, and originality. In interactive discussions, participants examined both the opportunities AI offers and the challenges it presents in academic and professional contexts.

The afternoon then featured the Inter-Department Debate Competition 2026 on the topic, "Does AI Empower Students or Weaken Them?" The event drew enthusiastic participation from students representing various departments, who presented well-researched arguments on both sides of the issue.

Speakers supporting AI highlighted its role in improving access to knowledge, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation. At the same time, those opposing excessive reliance on the technology cautioned against diminished critical thinking, loss of originality, overdependence on digital tools, and weakened problem-solving abilities.

The debate provided an effective platform for students to sharpen their public speaking, logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and communication skills, while also engaging with one of the most relevant technological issues of the day.