The Digital4All project took center stage at the “Learning Innovations Summit 2024: Unveiling the Future of Learning & Artificial Intelligence,” held on September 13-14, 2024. Organized by CARDET in collaboration with the University of Nicosia (UNIC), University of Groningen, and University College Dublin (UCD), the summit operated under the auspices of the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth.

The summit aimed to showcase the transformative potential of emerging technologies, delving into the latest advancements in educational technology, innovative applications, and diverse perspectives poised to revolutionize learning methodologies. The event also received support from the EU-funded project LeaderAI, which focuses on learning analytics and AI for personalized learning.

 

Keynote Speech

 

 

Prof. Eleni Mangina from University College Dublin, a key contributor to the Digital4All project, delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Navigating AI and XR Opportunities for Education: Case Studies and Critical Perspectives.” Her presentation examined the transformative roles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) in contemporary education. Through a series of real-world case studies, Prof. Mangina demonstrated the practical applications of these technologies across various educational settings, shedding light on both their successes and inherent challenges. She also critically discussed the ethical and practical considerations of implementing AI and XR technologies, offering educators valuable insights into leveraging these tools to enhance teaching and learning globally.

The Digital4All project, dedicated to promoting inclusive and equitable digital learning experiences in higher education, was prominently featured among several innovative initiatives currently underway at UCD. The project’s focus on harnessing AI to enhance professional and pedagogical practices in higher education aligns seamlessly with the summit’s overarching the theme of exploring the future of learning through artificial intelligence.

 

Parallel Sessions

 

 

In the parallel sessions, Dr. Levent Görgü from University College Dublin presented a paper at LIS2024, focusing on the integration of AI into educators’ teaching practices through tailored professional development. The study emphasized the importance of critical AI literacy, aiming to deepen educators’ understanding of AI, promote ethical awareness, and encourage responsible AI adoption in higher education. Utilizing a design-based research methodology, the study developed and evaluated a comprehensive critical AI literacy workshop. Participants included educators specializing in science education and communication, who engaged in workshops grounded in social constructivist learning principles to foster a critical perspective on AI’s educational applications. The session sparked meaningful discussions on the necessity of critical AI literacy in shaping the future of education, highlighting the ongoing need for research and collaboration to develop innovative, equitable, inclusive, and critically engaged educational practices.