Driving social innovation with AI-powered service learning: Intensive training at the University of Minho

From 29 to 30 May 2025, the University of Minho hosted an in-person training session as part of the project “Driving Social Innovation with AI-Powered Service Learning”, funded by the Arqus Innovation Fund (call 2024).

The two-day workshop brought together representatives from four universities of the Arqus European University Alliance: Granada, Minho, Padua and Vilnius, for a collaborative learning experience focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence into Service Learning (SL) practices.

This project aims to institutionalise Service Learning within the Arqus Alliance by promoting its integration into university curricula as a driver of social innovation, civic engagement, and quality learning. The in-person training was preceded by a series of online meetings and preparatory activities, and will be followed by a support phase in which faculty from the participating universities will receive guidance to implement SL projects in their own institutional contexts.

This intensive training introduced a practical framework to support both teachers and students in designing and implementing Service Learning (SL) projects enhanced by Artificial Intelligence. The framework provides tools and strategies to create impactful learning experiences that are aligned with academic objectives, adapted to institutional contexts, and responsive to genuine community needs. Moreover, it promotes alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a more inclusive and socially engaged university ecosystem. 

Participants took part in a dynamic programme that included case study presentations on SL at UMinho and partner institutions; a hands-on session on sustainability led by Narcisco Antunes (founder of Quizzability); collaborative group work to design AI-supported SL projects; and a final showcase to present proposed solutions to real-world societal challenges.

The project is a collaboration between the Digital Humanities research group of the Center for Humanistic Studies (CEHUM), coordinated by Professor Sílvia Araújo from the School of Arts and Humanities (ELACH), and the School of Engineering, represented by Professors Anabela Alves, Celina Leão, Filomena Soares, and Vinicius Silva.

As the project moves forward, particular attention will be given to the evaluation of the implemented Service Learning projects, both in terms of student learning outcomes and the real impact on the community. This evaluation phase will help refine the AI-enhanced Service Learning framework, ensuring its relevance, scalability, and long-term integration into higher education curricula.

More information about the project activities is available on the project website: Driving Social Innovation with AI-Powered Service Learning.

The Arqus Innovation Fund incentivises innovative ad hoc bottom-up initiatives from Arqus academics, administrative staff and students with a joint approach, learn more here.