The Arqus Summer School on Artificial Intelligence starts today in Padua

The Arqus Alliance proudly announces the launch of its first-ever Summer School on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education,” taking place from 17 to 19 September 2024 at the beautiful Hotel Terme San Marco in Monteortone, Abano Terme, just outside Padua, Italy.

This unique event brings together educators, lecturers, and instructors from Arqus universities to explore how AI can transform the way we teach and learn. Over three days, participants will engage in a series of workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities designed to help them integrate AI responsibly and effectively into their classrooms.

Why AI in Higher Education?

As AI continues to revolutionize many sectors, its potential impact on education is profound. The Arqus Summer School aims to equip educators with the tools and knowledge to leverage AI in ways that enhance student learning, promote engagement, and foster critical thinking. The summer school will focus on active learning strategies and the responsible use of AI, ensuring that its implementation in higher education is ethical and centred around human values.

Key Themes of the Summer School:

• Integrating AI in the Classroom: Practical strategies for incorporating AI-driven tools into day-to-day teaching, ensuring a responsible and balanced approach.
• AI and Student Engagement: Exploring how AI can boost motivation and participation in the learning process through personalized learning experiences.
• Fostering AI Literacy: Preparing students for a future where AI literacy is essential by developing curricula that promote critical thinking about AI’s impact on society.
• Human-Centred Teaching in the Age of AI: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a student-focused, human-centred approach in education as AI technologies become more prevalent.

A packed programme of activities

The Summer School offers an engaging program that combines theoretical insights with practical applications. Here’s a snapshot of the key sessions:

Day 1 – September 17th, 2024

• Opening Plenary: Introduction by experts in AI and education, followed by strategies to engage students in critical reflection on AI.
• Engaging students in a critical reflection on AI. Barbora Orlická, Graz University
• AI and student engagement. Dalila Durães, University of Minho

Day 2 – September 18th, 2024

• Learning with Ethical AI: A guide to using AI in a responsible and personalized way to enhance learning. Sílvia Araújo, University of Minho
• Parallel Sessions: Engaging discussions and interactive quizzes to encourage debate on the role of AI in education.
• Reflection and Action Plan: A workshop on developing take-home strategies for implementing AI in participants’ own institutions. Dorothea Braun, Leipzig University

Day 3 – September 19th, 2024

• Closing Reflections: final remarks by the Deputy Rector for Teaching, prof. Marco Ferrante.

With this Summer School Arqus aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence across the Alliance. With the increasing relevance of AI in the global education landscape, this initiative is a critical step in ensuring that educators are equipped to navigate and lead in the age of digital transformation.

Stay tuned for updates from the event, and follow along as we explore the exciting possibilities of AI in higher education!