Socioemotional Assessment with AI in Vocational Training

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TutorIA in Vocational Training

The project “TutorIA for the Assessment and Development of SES” (socioemotional skills) was selected in the VII CaixaBank Dualiza and FPEmpresa Call for Proposals. TutorIA is one of the thirty innovative projects chosen for implementation. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of socioemotional assessment using AI to enhance personal development and improve the employability of vocational training (VT) students.

Integrating AI into Socioemotional Assessment

The primary goal of the TutorIA project is to evaluate and develop socioemotional skills (SES) in vocational training students to boost their employability.

One of TutorIA’s standout features is the application of the Human AI tool. This artificial intelligence technology enables precise and efficient assessment of students’ skills, facilitating continuous and personalized feedback. Human AI has become a key component in identifying areas for improvement and enhancing students’ abilities, contributing to their holistic development.

Methodology and Approach

The TutorIA project combines constant assessment with the development of SES. This approach focuses not only on academic performance but also on the personal and professional growth of students.

Human AI – Expert-Validated AI Tool:
  • Understanding Text and Relationships: Thanks to algorithms trained in psycholinguistics and psychometric tests.
  • Generating Personalized Reports: Based on the OCEAN model (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism).
  • Holistic Evaluation: Ensuring that every student receives the attention and support needed to reach their full potential.

Project Development

  • Initial Implementation

In February 2024, all students from the Aspasia VT centers participated in the project’s first phase, using Human AI to evaluate their socioemotional skills. Each student wrote a text of at least 800 characters, which the tool analyzed to generate a personalized report. This report provided a detailed evaluation of the five traits in the OCEAN model, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and offering recommendations and activities for personal and professional development.

  • Application of Didactic Guides

During the final months of the academic year, didactic guides and classroom activities were developed and implemented to strengthen SES. These activities were designed to enhance the five factors of the OCEAN model and its 30 facets. Teachers and students provided feedback on the materials used, enabling improvements for future applications.

  • Final Evaluation

At the end of the school year, students completed a second assessment using Human AI. Although the time between evaluations may have been too short to observe significant changes, in some cases, improvements in skill development were noted.

Impact and Future of the Project

The TutorIA project has not only benefited students from Aspasia VT centers but also created teaching materials accessible to other educators through the web. This project demonstrates innovation and promotes collaboration among institutions, social impact, coordination and communication, and long-term sustainability.

Focusing on improving socioemotional skills is essential for students’ employability and personal development, better preparing them for the workplace. The Human AI tool plays a critical role in this process, offering precise analyses while avoiding self-perception biases and social desirability effects.

Through the commitment of teachers and students at these centers and the application of Human AI, a sustainable and transferable model has been created that will continue to benefit future students and educators.

Innovation in educational assessments

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Social and emotional skills in times of AI

The recent OECD webinar, “Innovations in Measuring Social and Emotional Skills and What AI Will Bring Next,” brought together experts from various fields to explore advanced methods and emerging technologies that are revolutionizing educational assessment.

Moderated by Daniel Katarino da Silva and Adriano Larini, part of the OECD’s Social and Emotional Skills team, the seminar featured Rose Luckin, Professor Emeritus at University College London and a leading expert in AI and education; Clemens Lechner, Product Director at Jam Technology and specialist in psychological assessment; and Alan Morgan, Senior Advisor at the Templeton Foundation, with expertise in development studies and social policy.

The Importance of Assessing Social and Emotional Skills

The webinar began with an introduction by Daniel Katarino da Silva, who emphasized the need for rigorous measurement of social and emotional skills to identify students’ strengths and challenges. Assessing these skills is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Identifying Strengths and Challenges: Understanding areas where students excel and where they require additional support.
  2. Implementing Effective Interventions: Designing tailored programs to meet the specific needs of each student.
  3. Improving Pedagogical Practices: Providing valuable data to help educators enhance their teaching methods.
  4. Holistic Student Development: Promoting an educational approach that focuses on personal and social growth alongside academic achievement.

“Measuring social and emotional skills is essential for gaining the insights necessary to understand students’ strengths and challenges. Only through rigorous, high-quality measurement can we identify their needs and ensure that any social and emotional interventions implemented in schools are truly effective,” said Katarino da Silva. Such assessments are key to preparing students for real-world challenges, where social and emotional skills are as vital as cognitive ones.

Emerging Technologies in Educational Assessment

  1. Biometric and Biophysiological Data
    • Description: Tracks biological and physiological data, such as heart rate and eye movements.
    • Advantages: Offers direct insights into emotional states with less bias from participant awareness.
    • Challenges: Complexity in interpretation and susceptibility to external factors.
  2. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
    • Description: Immersive environments and overlays of digital information onto the real world.
    • Advantages: High levels of engagement and immersion, enhancing data collection.
    • Challenges: Cost and scalability in large-scale implementations.
  3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Description: Uses algorithms to analyze communication, facial expressions, and body language.
    • Advantages: Provides rapid, precise analysis of large data sets.
    • Challenges: Cultural biases and the need for robust validation.

“AI technologies for assessing social and emotional skills employ complex algorithms to analyze verbal and written communication, facial expressions, and body language to identify social signals and emotions.”

4. Digital Footprints and Video Game

  • Description: Analyzes digital traces and decisions in video games to infer skills and personality traits.
  • Advantages: Cost-effective and highly engaging for students.
  • Challenges: Requires further research and validation for classroom applications.

    “Recent video games with narrative and choice-based gameplay allow players to make impactful decisions, providing detailed behavioral data for assessment.”

    Ethical Challenges

    “Transparency and data protection are crucial when integrating AI into education,” noted Rose Luckin of University College London.

    Panelists highlighted the importance of addressing ethical concerns related to AI and data protection. Luckin stressed the need for careful design of AI tools to ensure reliability and privacy: “We must ensure that the data used to train these tools is unbiased and representative of the students whose skills we are assessing.”

    Clemens Lechner emphasized the need for transparency and validation of these tools: “Transparency is key. Students, their parents, and other stakeholders need to know the research behind the assessments and the validation status of the tools.”

    Future Perspectives in Educational Assessment

    “We look forward to more research and validation to ensure these technologies can be effectively implemented in classrooms,”

    Clemens Lechner of Jam Technology.

    The future of educational assessment looks promising with these technological advances. However, further studies and validations are necessary to ensure their effectiveness and accuracy. “It is crucial that these assessments remain aligned with the concept of social-emotional learning and are primarily used as formative assessments rather than summative ones,” Lechner added.

    Rose Luckin also reflected on the societal acceptance of these technologies: “While emerging technologies hold great potential, we need to address societal concerns about privacy and ethical use of data to ensure successful adoption.”

    Conclusion

    The OECD webinar highlighted how innovation in educational assessment is transforming the measurement of social and emotional skills. From biometric data to artificial intelligence, these tools offer new ways to understand and enhance students’ abilities. However, adopting these technologies must be accompanied by careful consideration of ethical challenges, transparency, and data protection.

    Discover innovation in social and emotional development assessment through HumanAI Tech.

    Explore our educational innovation tool, designed to evaluate and foster socio-emotional skills reliably, objectively, and humanely using students’ natural language. Request a demo and uncover 35 soft skills with just a single text.

    How to develop an entrepreneurial personality

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    “Confidence to start a business. Female entrepreneurship” is the report produced by the WINN Network within the framework of the Network for training and strengthening the female impact in innovation ecosystems within the CYTED Program.

    This study reveals that women tend to have less self-confidence compared to men. However, the data obtained through Artificial Intelligence suggest that this difference is due to a bias in self-perception rather than a real lack of confidence.

    Are entrepreneurs born or made?

    Certain personality traits, such as the need for achievement and self-confidence, can predispose some individuals toward entrepreneurship, according to the report. “In this context, entrepreneurial personality is understood as a set of personal characteristics or competencies that predict the likelihood of success in entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Beatriz Abad, a psychologist, R&D Project Coordinator at Human AI Tech, and lead researcher of the report, in a recent interview conducted by the Institute for Culture and Society at the University of Navarra.

    However, Dr. Abad emphasizes that “while some people naturally possess these skills, everyone can develop them with the right training. This is why it is crucial to foster socio-emotional competencies to train an entrepreneurial personality.” She suggests that with proper education and a supportive environment, anyone can cultivate the skills necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur.

    “Over time, and with the necessary effort, a person can develop new skills, change thought or behavior patterns, and adapt to different situations and contexts.” While some individuals may naturally have these abilities, everyone can enhance them through proper training. “In this sense, it is essential to continue creating solutions aimed at developing socio-emotional competencies,” adds Dr. Abad.

    Reflections from the report: key competencies and challenges

    The report details several crucial aspects for fostering and developing entrepreneurship among women. Some of the most relevant socio-emotional skills identified in the study are:

    1. Self-Confidence: Self-confidence is essential for taking risks and facing the challenges of entrepreneurship. The study results indicate that, in general, men show higher levels of self-confidence compared to women when assessed using traditional methods. However, with Human AI, these differences disappear because biases are eliminated during the evaluation. This suggests the presence of self-perception bias and highlights the need to work on how women perceive their own abilities.
    2. Emotional Regulation: Emotional stability is identified as a key factor for the confidence required in entrepreneurship. People with greater emotional stability tend to exhibit higher self-confidence, which is crucial for managing the stress and anxiety associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. The ability to manage negative emotions and stay calm under pressure can be a valuable asset for entrepreneurship.
    3. Entrepreneurial Perception: The study reveals no significant differences in the perception of being an entrepreneur between men and women. Interestingly, women tend to identify as entrepreneurs in greater proportions than men. This indicates that despite external barriers, many women possess a strong self-identification as entrepreneurs, which is a positive indicator for female entrepreneurship.
    4. Personality Traits: Certain personality traits—such as modesty, impulsiveness, and self-discipline in men, and creativity, a sense of duty, and confidence in women—are associated with entrepreneurial self-perception. Additionally, emotional control, self-awareness, extraversion, and self-efficacy stand out as crucial traits for entrepreneurial success.

    Human AI and Entrepreneurship

    “Advances in technology have enabled the development of new tools for personality assessment that can neutralize self-perception biases.” In this context, Human AI plays a fundamental role by providing precise assessments of entrepreneurial personality through artificial intelligence.

    “When this technology was applied to our study sample, the differences in self-confidence between men and women disappeared,” explains Abad.

    Human AI uses natural language processing (NLP) to analyze written texts from participants. This tool identifies and describes 35 parameters of personality and socio-emotional skills based on the Big Five/OCEAN model. This allows for a more objective and accurate assessment, eliminating the self-perception biases that can distort results in traditional questionnaires.

    Recommendations and Proposals

    Based on the report’s findings, several strategies are proposed to foster female entrepreneurship through education:

    1. Implementing Socio-Emotional Development Programs:
      Incorporate training in skills such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence into educational curricula.
    2. Mentorship and Support Networks:
      Provide access to mentors and support networks that can guide women along their entrepreneurial journey.
    3. Access to Financial Resources:
      Promote policies that facilitate financing for female entrepreneurs, reducing the gender gap in business.
    4. Inclusive Environments:
      Create work and learning spaces that encourage equal opportunities and diversity.

    Conclusion

    The results underscore the complex interplay between self-confidence, entrepreneurial self-perception, and personality traits in the context of entrepreneurship. Understanding these factors is crucial for creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment and supporting both male and female entrepreneurs in achieving business success. This highlights that a comprehensive approach to developing competencies and recognizing psychological factors can be key to fostering more equitable and effective entrepreneurship.

    “Digitalization and Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

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    Education in Digital Environments – Bilbao European Encounters 2024

    A Commitment to Digital Education

    The Bilbao European Encounters 2024 began with an opening speech by Juan Mari Aburto, Mayor of Bilbao, emphasizing the importance of making digitalization in education inclusive and accessible to all. “Technology in education is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We must ensure that no student is left behind in this digital transformation,” said Aburto, reaffirming Bilbao’s commitment to equitable education in the digital context.

    Is Digitalization the Solution?

    The first panel, Education in Digital Environments, tackled the critical question of the impact of digitalization and education in the era of artificial intelligence. Moderated by Eider Inunciaga, Bilbao’s Councilor for Euskera and Citizen Participation, the discussion featured prominent figures like Carlos Magro, President of the Open Education Association, and María Beunza, CEO of Human AI Tech.

    The session explored both opportunities and challenges brought by digitalization in education. One highlight was whether digital tools solve educational challenges or magnify them. “Technology by itself is neither the solution nor the problem. It is how we integrate it into the classroom that makes the difference,” emphasized Carlos Magro. His comment underlined that the challenge isn’t just access to digital tools but their pedagogical application.

    From a tech standpoint, Beunza highlighted AI’s transformative potential when effectively implemented. “AI can personalize education, detect socio-emotional skills, and adapt to each student. But it is the teacher who must guide the process, not the machine,” she stressed, underscoring that technology cannot replace the human role in education.

    The Digital Divide and Ethical Use of Technology

    The widening digital divide emerged as a critical issue during the debate. Although the pandemic accelerated digital adoption in education, it also exposed significant inequalities. “Digitalization risks increasing the gap between those who have access to critical technology use and those who do not,” warned Magro, reflecting the concerns of educators who struggle to maximize the value of classroom devices.

    Ethical considerations were also a focus. “What’s exciting about AI is that, for the first time, ethics is at the center of the discussion,” said María Beunza, highlighting the importance of transparency and avoiding perpetuating biases through digital tools. “If we don’t control algorithms, we let technology decide for us, potentially reinforcing inequalities,” she cautioned, urging critical reflection on AI’s role in education.

    Questions From the Public: The Voice of Educators

    “How are teachers expected to adapt to such a rapidly changing environment when we are already overwhelmed with work and lack resources to train in new technologies?”

    Magro replied decisively: “Technology evolves faster than educators can adapt, but the problem isn’t the technology itself—it’s the lack of resources to support this transformation. Innovation must be accompanied by continuous training, which requires investment.” Beunza added, “The key is not mastering every new tool but developing critical digital competencies that allow adaptation to future developments.”

    Innovation: At what cost?

    The term innovation permeated the discussions, but both speakers agreed that it is often misunderstood. “Innovation for innovation’s sake is a mistake. Technology in education must serve a clear purpose: to improve learning,” stated Beunza. Magro called for thorough evaluation before implementing new technologies at scale: “We’re obsessed with introducing screens and devices into classrooms, but have we truly tested if they improve educational outcomes? What’s missing is evaluation.”

    The Future of Education

    The panel concluded with a cautiously optimistic message. “Digitalization can be a powerful tool, but it must never replace the human factor. The key is finding a balance between technology and humanity in education,” Beunza remarked in closing.

    Magro urged the education community to remain vigilant: “We must not let technology overwhelm us. Digital sovereignty begins in classrooms, teaching students to be critical thinkers and not blindly depend on digital tools.”

    This debate made it clear that education stands at a pivotal moment. Technology can be an ally, but only if integrated with clear pedagogical goals and accompanied by ethical and critical reflection.

    Ethical and Pedagogical Reflections

    During the second panel of the Bilbao European Encounters 2024, titled “Educating Intelligence in a Digital Environment,” philosophers José Antonio Marina and Daniel Innerarity delved into the complexities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in education. Marina emphasized the need to redefine intelligence in a context where technology seems to be at the forefront of educational transformation. “AI can be part of the solution, but educational problems are only solved through pedagogy and community,” stated Marina, highlighting the importance of human intervention in utilizing these tools.

    Daniel Innerarity, for his part, reflected on the duality represented by technology: “AI is a powerful tool, but we cannot overlook the ethical questions it raises. The real challenge is not just incorporating technology but doing so in a way that fosters critical thinking and intellectual autonomy in students.” Innerarity stressed that education cannot rely solely on technology, as it cannot replace deeply human cognitive processes like empathy and moral judgment.

    Both speakers agreed that the future of education must focus on shaping individuals capable of using digital tools while maintaining the ability to reflect ethically on their use. This debate underscored the importance of preparing new generations not just to be consumers of technology but also to be critical and responsible citizens in an increasingly digitalized world.

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    The Bilbao European Encounters 2024 made it clear that, in the end, education remains a profoundly human endeavor.

    The Impact of AI on Mental Health

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    Technology and Humanization

    On October 9, during the 10th Conference on Safety and Risk Management in Mental Health held at the Official College of Physicians of Navarra, prominent medical and technology experts gathered to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mental health care.


    The event, organized by Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, coincided with World Mental Health Day and provided a platform to reflect on how AI can transform the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

    Technological Innovation in Healthcare

    The event was inaugurated by Miryam Zabalza, Managing Director of Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, who emphasized the importance of technological innovation in healthcare. “Mental health needs innovation and tools that help us offer a more humanized and effective service,” Zabalza stated in her opening remarks. On the other hand, Olga Sala, Deputy Director of Assessment and Services at the Navarre Agency for Autonomy and Development of People, highlighted that “it is essential to use this technology in our research and clinical practice to improve patients’ mental health, always from an ethical and responsible perspective.”

    In his presentation, Raymond Salvador, representing the Fundación Hermanas Hospitalarias, spoke about how AI can expand access to medical services in resource-limited areas. “Artificial intelligence opens doors to new forms of care that were previously unimaginable, and we must harness this potential.” Salvador emphasized, underscoring how this technology can ensure greater equity in healthcare, particularly in geographically challenging regions.

    Bioethics and Artificial Intelligence

    Another key topic addressed during the event was the ethical framework guiding the use of AI in medicine. Rafael Amo Usanos, Director of the Bioethics Chair at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, discussed the challenges and opportunities AI presents from a bioethical standpoint. According to Amo, technology must be used to promote individuals’ well-being and dignity without attempting to replicate or replace human intelligence. “AI should serve bioethics, always fostering human well-being and dignity,” Amo asserted, adding that while technology cannot replace human decision-making, it can guide it in a more informed and precise manner.

    Panel Discussion: Building a Creative AI Community

    A roundtable discussion, moderated by Pablo Moreno Flores, Medical Director of Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, provided a comprehensive view of AI applications in mental health. Participants emphasized the need to build a creative and collaborative community around AI in this field.

    Francisco Ferre Navarrete: AI as an Ally for Personalized Care

    During the discussion, Dr. Francisco Ferre Navarrete, Head of Adult Psychiatry at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid, explained how digitalization and proper AI implementation can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization.

    “AI is a fundamental ally for delivering more personalized care, allowing mental health professionals to focus on what truly matters: the patient’s well-being.”

    María Beunza: Personality Analysis Through AI

    María Beunza, CEO of Human AI Tech, discussed how AI can analyze patients’ personalities. She explained that tools developed by Human AI enable the analysis of socio-emotional skills without traditional tests, offering a faster and more precise approach.


    Beunza demonstrated how this technology can assist not only in diagnostic evaluation but also in treatment personalization. Adapting to the emotional and psychological needs of each individual.

    “Artificial intelligence doesn’t just complement medicine; it also helps humanize it. Personality analysis can be pivotal in offering more personalized and effective treatments.”

    Antonio Rosa Castillo: Practical Applications and Ethical Challenges of AI

    Antonio Rosa Castillo, a professor at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Barcelona, concluded the session with a detailed analysis of AI’s practical applications in mental health, from its origins to current challenges.

    “AI has come a long way, but there is still much to do. Healthcare professionals must be prepared and trained to use these technologies effectively.”

    Balancing Technology with Human Interaction

    A recurring theme was the ethical challenge posed by AI implementation in mental health care. “How can we ensure that the technological tools we design not only improve care but also preserve humanity in every interaction?”
    This dilemma underscores the need to design systems that maintain empathy and human sensitivity, especially in delicate fields like mental health.

    The challenge is not just technical but also ethical. As AI becomes more integrated into patient care, developing regulatory and ethical frameworks to guide its responsible implementation is crucial. Rosa Castillo urged attendees to consider how to balance technological efficiency with human connection, ensuring AI complements rather than replaces empathetic care.

    “AI cannot replace doctors, but it can enhance them as professionals.”

    Looking Ahead

    The conference concluded with remarks from Sara Chivite, Mental Health Manager at the Navarre Health Service – Osasunbidea. She thanked the speakers for their valuable contributions on AI and mental health. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of ongoing research and discussion about the future of mental health in a rapidly advancing technological world.
    “It is imperative to continue working together to ensure AI is a tool that benefits patients and improves their quality of life,” Chivite concluded.

    AI has immense potential to revolutionize mental health and many other aspects of our lives. However, as Antonio Rosa Castillo noted, it is vital to maintain a balanced and critical attitude: “This is not about catastrophizing but about using technology responsibly.” AI should be seen as a powerful tool, and it is our responsibility to guide its development to improve lives without compromising humanity.

    At Human AI Tech, we firmly believe that artificial intelligence is not just a tool for data analysis but an opportunity to bring human value to healthcare. Mental health requires a comprehensive approach where technology aligns with professionals to make better decisions and deliver more accurate and personalized care.

    Scientific Research Line – PersonIA Study

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    Human AI at the XXVII National Psychiatry Congress

    Prominent researchers and healthcare institutions are conducting the groundbreaking PersonIA Study. This pioneering research, led by Dr. Manuel Martín—Medical Director of Hermanas Hospitalarias in the Basque Country (Aita Menni) and Navarra, and President of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health—aims to validate an AI model capable of assessing personality in individuals with common mental disorders.

    The PersonIA Study

    This study investigates the accuracy of artificial intelligence when predicting key aspects of personality based on text written by patients’ in natural language. The use of AI in this field is revolutionary, offering faster, less intrusive, and more tailored analyses. Findings from the first phase of the PersonIA study were presented by Dr. Manuel Martín at the XXVII National Psychiatry Congress, cementing Human AI’s role as a key player at the intersection of technology and mental health.

    The study was conducted in collaboration with renowned institutions including: the Navarra Health System, the University Clinic of Navarra, Hermanas Hospitalarias in Navarra, and Aita Menni. Researchers from the Affective and Cognitive Psychology Methods and Research Laboratory (MIPAC) and the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute (DATAI) at the University of Navarra also participated in this initial phase. This multidisciplinary team ensured the model was tested on a clinical sample of adults, providing robust results for this first stage.

    Promising findings demonstrate the AI model’s ability to deliver accurate assessments in clinical settings, compared to traditional methods such as the NEO-PI-R. These results highlight the potential of PersonIA to revolutionize personality assessment, especially for individuals with mild or common mental disorders.

    Purpose and Methodology of PersonIA

    The primary goal of the PersonIA project is to validate an artificial intelligence model capable of evaluating personality. It is based on both free-form and guided natural language texts. During the study, participants wrote autobiographical texts and answered questions designed to capture various personality traits based on the OCEAN model.

    The AI model leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze linguistic, semantic, and contextual patterns in large volumes of text. Preliminary results indicate that the model is valid for predicting personality traits, overcoming some limitations of traditional psychometric evaluations.

    Future Perspectives

    This breakthrough is just the beginning. As the project moves into new phases, it paves the way for a significant transformation in how personality is assessed in mental health, introducing third-generation tools. PersonIA has the potential to revolutionize psychological and psychiatric evaluations, making them more accessible, comprehensive, accurate, and human-centered.

    We are proud of this innovative development. Which combines the best of science and technology to address one of psychiatry’s greatest challenges: providing personalized and humanized care.

    To learn more about this scientific research line, stay tuned for our upcoming updates.