Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director of CARDET, Professor of Learning Innovations and Policy at the University of Nicosia
Dr. Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth
Mrs. Simona Petkova, Policy Officer at the European Commission
Exploring the European Commission’s forward-looking vision and initiatives, this presentation delves into the transformative impact of AI on education and training systems. Mrs. Petkova will highlight strategies for ethical adaptation and resilience in the face of AI-driven changes and offer valuable insights into EU policies, action plans, and funding programs shaping a high-quality, inclusive digital transformation across the Union and its member states.
Dr. Eleni Mangina, Professor at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin and Vice Principal (International) for the College of Science
Showcasing real-world case studies, Dr. Mangina will explore the transformative impact of AI and Extended Reality on education, demonstrating how these technologies are integrated into various educational settings. By addressing both successes and challenges, the speech will critically examine the ethical and practical considerations of AI and XR, offering educators valuable insights on leveraging these innovations to enhance teaching and learning globally.
Panelists:
Facilitator: Dr. Michalinos Zembylas, Professor of Educational Theory and Curriculum Studies at the Open University Cyprus
The panel will explore the ethical and social justice implications of AI and XR in education and society, providing diverse perspectives on how these technologies can perpetuate or reduce social inequalities. Experts will discuss the challenges and responsibilities associated with their deployment, emphasizing the role of stakeholders and focusing on issues of fairness, transparency, and equitable access.
Key questions to be addressed:
Session 1: Learner Engagement and AI in Education
Moderator: Matt Glowatz
An engaging exploration of cutting-edge approaches to enhancing education through AI, XR, intelligent tutors, and novel technologies. Esteemed researchers and experts will present key topics, including an AI-augmented, learner-led curriculum to modernize traditional education, using AI chatbots to boost student engagement, and integrating augmented reality to enhance learning outcomes with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
Moderator: Matt Glowatz
Interacting with AI: Analyzing Undergraduate Student Engagement with Cipherbot
Joni Salminen, Soon-gyo Jung, Kholoud Aldous, Jinan Azem, Johanne Medina & Bernard J. Jansen
Augmenting the Learning Experience The ALEX Implementation Framework for Higher Business Education: From Affordances to Implementation
Matt Glowatz & Eleni, Mangina
The GeoGebra Intelligent m-Tutors
Dimitrios Sklavakis
The use of Artificial Intelligence and Educational Robotics for Improving Children’s Knowledge and Skills in the Management of Natural and Man-made Disasters
Anastasia Karampela & Nikolaos Larios
A Virtual Reality-Based serious game for simulating the growth of plans in different environmental conditions
Kostas Tsaramirsis & Dimitris Piromalis
Enhancing Agricultural Education with Artificial Intelligence and QGIS: Experiences from the INSAC AGRIS Project
Daniel Amariei, Gabor Milics & Krisztina Toth
Session 2: AI in Higher Education: Transforming Pedagogical Practices
Moderator: Efi Nisiforou
AI’s impact on higher education will be examined, focusing on its effects on teaching and learning from the perspectives of both educators and students. Key topics include AI usage by educators, pre-service teachers’ opinions, and findings from an AI literacy survey, underscoring the need for targeted professional development. It concludes with a comparative analysis of AI integration across Europe, highlighting diverse pedagogical and professional practices.
Moderator: Efi Nisiforou
The Perception of Higher Education Teachers Regarding the Use of AI-based tools to Personalize Learning: A Pre/post Training Analysis in Romania
Georgeta Chirlesan & Dumitru Chirlesan
Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Perspectives on Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Education
Dimitris Panagou, Konstantinos T. Kotsis & Georgios Stylos
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Exploring AI Tool Adoption and its Impact in Universities
Mac Stevely, Levent Gorgu, Eleni Mangina & Aikaterini Kanta
Enhancing AI literacy Among Educators: A Piloting Study
Lize Michorius, Francisco José Castillo Hernández & Miquel Pérez Torres
AI Integration in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Professional and Pedagogical Practices Across Europe
Efi Nisiforou, Eleni Trichina & Charalambos Vrasidas
Session 3: Closed Policy Workshop in the framework of the European Agenda for Adult Learning 2024-2025, Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth
Moderator: Ioannis Savvides
*This session is by invitation only.
*The session will last one hour, between 11:20 and 12:20.
Moderator: Ioannis Savvides
The workshop aims to bring together policymakers and representatives from various departments of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus, as well as other organizations- governmental and non-governmental- within the Republic of Cyprus, that are actively involved in adult education and lifelong learning. The goal is to deepen the discussion on how these entities promote digital skills among adults and adult educators, address the role of Artificial Intelligence in the teaching process and advance the initiatives of their respective organisations to enhance digital literacy among adult learners. Additionally, participants will explore how they can strengthen collaboration and synergies among their organisations to ensure that more adults benefit from the available opportunities. These objectives align with the broader goals of the Learning Innovations Summit 2024 and the aims of the European Agenda for Adult Learning for 2024-2025, which the European and International Affairs, Lifelong Learning, and Adult Education Bureau are implementing.
Issues of Discussion
Participants will engage in an open discussion following brief introductory remarks by Dr Eleni Mangina, Professor at the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin and Vice Principal (International) for the College of Science and Dr Ioannis Savvides, National Coordinator of the European Agenda for Adult Learning in Cyprus.
Panelists:
Facilitator: Dr. Jahna Otterbacher, Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Pure and Applied Sciences at the Open University of Cyprus
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The panel discussion will explore the synergy and collaborative potential between academia, research, and industry in advancing AI, XR, and digital skills in education and training. It will also delve into the challenges and benefits of adapting learning and development to the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, focusing on effective approaches to empower academics, educators, learners, institutions, and professionals.
Key questions to be addressed:
Session 4: Innovative Approaches to Language and Science Education through AI and Digital Tools
Moderator: Nansia Kyriakou
This session will explore key strategies and effective practices for integrating innovative technologies to enhance student engagement. It will examine how AI and digital tools transform language and science education, focusing on AI-enhanced roleplaying, digital storytelling, and AI-driven differentiated instruction, drawing from practical experiences and real-world applications.
Moderator: Nansia Kyriakou
AI and Roleplaying to Enhance English Teaching: A Sentiment Analysis
Edward A. Lockhart Domeño & Carol Barriuso Rayo
The Use of Digital Storytelling in Science: Meaning Making with Students Aged 11-12 Years Old
Popi Anastasiou
RE.MA.C.’s Educational Material and Digital Tools: Teachers’ Take in Diverse Classrooms
Nansia Kyriakou, Nikleia Eteokleous, Maria Mitsiaki, Zoi Ioannidou, Despo Kyprianou, Raphaela, Neophytou & Elena Xeni
Enhancing Education through Effective Technology Integration
Marilena Neocleous
Session 5: Case Studies of XR & Informatics in Education
Moderator: Nicoleta Pantela
This session will focus on practical implementation, uncovering pioneering approaches to integrating XR in education. Presenters will showcase groundbreaking tools used in educational settings and discuss the challenges and opportunities of incorporating VR and XR technologies in lessons. Insights from the ‘TINKER’ project will highlight challenges and opportunities in informatics education, emphasizing the need for better teacher training and resources to enhance digital critical thinking and inclusion.
Moderator: Nicoleta Pantela
Enhancing Informatics Education in Cyprus: Detailed Insights from the TINKER Project
Chrysanthi Konstanti, Efi Nisiforou, Eleni Trichina & Charalambos Vrasidas
XR Scan: The case of Flanders schools
Pieter Schutijser & Stéphanie Vanneste
Navigating The Maze of The Ever-Changing World of XR For Efficient Implementation in an Educational Setting: The Case of VR
Dimitrios Boglou
How the Flemish Government Ensures Large-Scale Implementation of XR in Education
Joke Lippens
Session 6: Ethical and Innovative AI Applications in Education: Balancing Advancement and Responsibility
Moderator: Eria Makridou
This session will examine the considerations and practical approaches to ensuring AI’s ethical, transformative, and sustainable integration in education. Featuring presentations by notable experts, it will cover ethical principles for AI in higher education, AI-driven models that challenge traditional learning paradigms, and sustainable practices in educational technology, including the environmental impacts of AI and XR.
Moderator: Eria Makridou
Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, Empowerment: Establishing Ethical Principles for AI in Higher Education
Anna Bougia, Konstantinos Chardavelas & Anastasios Liapakis
How To Train Your Dragon
Costa Constantinides
Harnessing Sustainability: Integrating AI and XR for Eco-Friendly Education
Mustafa Kemal Ambar
Primary School Teachers’ Beliefs on the Use of Large Language Models in the Arts
Konstantinos Mastrothanasis, Panagiotis Alexopoulos & Maria Kladaki
Dr. Fridolin Wild, Professor at the Institute of Educational Technology of the Open University of the UK
AI and XR have rapidly become mainstream, transforming education by integrating digital tools into everyday life. While AI-powered services and XR enhance learning environments, issues like digital inequality and limited access to smart devices persist. Dr. Wild will review recent advancements in 'embedded learning' and human-computer interaction, showcasing research from the Performance Augmentation Lab at The Open University. He highlights challenges and future opportunities, including the upcoming launch of new XR studios in March 2025, supported by a £5.8m investment aimed at enriching course production.
Panelists
Facilitator: Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director of CARDET, Professor of Learning Innovations and Policy at the University of Nicosia
The panel discussion will explore the integration of AI in education, focusing on how teachers and students are navigating, adopting, and adapting AI tools in the classroom. The speakers will share their insights and examine AI's transformative potential, how AI is reshaping educational practices, and what this means for the future of education.
Key questions to be addressed:
Dr. Lynn Fiellin, Professor of Biomedical Data Science at Dartmouth College
Approximately 15% of the world’s adolescents—195 million young people struggle with mental health conditions, many of which begin before age 14 and often go undetected. This often-overlooked crisis is further exacerbated by social media and challenges like COVID-19. In her speech, Dr. Fiellin will offer invaluable insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies in supporting young people. Drawing from the impactful work of the play2PREVENT Lab at Dartmouth College, she will showcase how the use of digital health games offers scalable solutions that improve mental wellness and outcomes on a global scale.
Panelists:
Facilitator: Dr. Tassos Kyriakides, Assistant Professor at the Yale School of Public Health, Head of Data Science at CARDET
The panel will explore the role of digital technologies in addressing the global mental health crisis. Featuring representatives from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, CARDET, YALE, and Dartmouth College, the discussion will examine the effectiveness, challenges, and ethical considerations of digital tools in supporting mental health provision. Panelists will share their experiences and perspectives on the impact of these tools across different regions and populations, offering a comprehensive view of the potential and limitations of digital mental health initiatives.
Key questions to be addressed:
Workshop 1 (Greek or English): Digital and augmented reality applications in STEAM education, Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Researcher/Project Manager, CARDET
This workshop will provide hands-on experience with augmented reality tools and adaptable methodologies, equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to support talented students aged 8-18 in STEAM education through the Learning by Design approach.
Workshop 2: MetaCivicEdu - Teachers’ workshop on metaverse and learning design, Dr. Eleni Mangina, Professor at School of Computer Science, University College Dublin
This workshop will train participants in metaverse features and scenario design, enhancing their digital skills and pedagogical practices to drive the digital transformation of civic education in primary schools.
Workshop 3: (Greek or English): Leveraging Extended Reality Technologies in the Cypriot Education System, Dr. Christos Roushias, Teachers’ Educator - Educational Technologist at the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute
This workshop will explore the integration of Extended Reality (XR) technologies into the Cypriot education system, focusing on immersive 3D environments that enhance learning experiences. Participants will engage with practical examples and discussions on creating interactive virtual reality tours and leveraging AI tools to enrich educational outcomes.
Workshop 4: Collective Intelligence Integration in ΑΙ-powered Education Practices: How can we engage students? Maria Filippi (Med, MBA), Head of Informatics Literacy & Digital Education, Dr. Yannis Kotsanis, Head of R & D at Doukas School
This workshop will equip educators with resources to integrate AI effectively into their teaching, fostering transdisciplinary and peer-to-peer learning to empower students as proactive learners.
Session 7: AI and STEAM Education
Moderator: Franscisco Castillo Hernandez
The session will explore cutting-edge approaches to integrating AI in STEAM and language education, such as fostering critical AI literacy among STEAM educators and using Generative AI to revolutionize Digital Game-Based Learning. It will conclude with insights on using educational tools and strategies to promote gender equality in STEAM fields.
Moderator: Franscisco Castillo Hernandez
Fostering Critical AI Literacy in STEM Education: A Co-Design Approach to Developing Vision Documents and Workshops
Miquel Perez Torres & Francisco, Castillo Hernandez
GenAI-Powered Digital Game-Based Learning and GlossapIAI: Revolutionizing Greek Education and Language Learning
Stefanos Alifierakis & Maria Pavlopoulou
Promoting Gender Equality in STEAM through Innovative Educational Practices: Insights from the 'Blooming the Future' Project
Iro Koliakou, Eleni, Mangina, Tharrenos Bratitsis, Maria Kyriakidou, Dominique Persano Adorno & Calin Rus
Session 8: Technology Integration in Education
Moderator: Nikleia Eteokleous
This exploration of AI in education begins with a case study of kindergarten teachers' experiences and needs. It then delves into the M3 lab AI method, illustrating how design thinking and AI embodiment can enrich learning. The discussion wraps up by examining the factors that affect teachers' adoption of AI tools.
Moderator: Nikleia Eteokleous
Artificial Intelligence in Kindergarten: A Qualitative Exploration of Teachers’ Experiences
Nikleia Eteokleous, Maria Efstratopoulou, Eleana Charalambous, Raphaela Neophytou, Theodora Patsalidou & Jehan Abdulla
Experiencing Learning Through Design Thinking and AI Embodiment
Katarina Stekić & Mirjana, Utvić
Factors influencing the adoption of AI tools by teachers
Maria Stylianou & Charalambos Vrasidas
Session 9: Session 9: Metaverse and XR in Education
Moderator: Eftychia Xerou
The session will explore digital technologies and metaverse integration in education. The discussion will focus on ethical design and standardization to improve accessibility and inclusivity in immersive technologies. It will then examine the integration of metaverse technology in K-12 education, emphasizing its potential and the need for focused research. The discussion will conclude with the ‘Vol3DEdu’ Project showcasing XR tools and training for immersive learning, revealing current strengths and gaps.
Moderator: Eftychia Xerou
Automated Lip Reading: Exploring the Potential for Accessibility Measures in XR
Hrishikesh Mulay, Sam Redfern & Eleni Mangina
Exploring Metaverse-Enhanced Learning: Learning Design Practices in K-12 Education
Sonia Andreou, Stephanie Papalla & Andri Ioannou
Empowering Educators with XR for Immersive Learning: Vol3DEdu project’s insights
Eftychia Xerou, Charalambos Vrasidas, Chrysanthi Konstanti, Eleni Mangina, Konstantinos Amplianitis, Filippos Tzortzoglou, Alivisos Sofos & Apostolos Kostas