How does artificial intelligence affect education?

The conference on the impact of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on education, titled “The World Ahead”, brought together today more than 600 participants, including professors, teachers, representatives of the academic community, and experts in the fields of education, science, and technology, at the Palace of Serbia. The event was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Petlja Foundation, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Education.

Panels, lectures, and presentations discussed how artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in education, and what knowledge and skills are required for educators and students to harness the potential that artificial intelligence offers for the benefit of society as a whole.

The panel on “Responsible and Critical Use of AI” featured:

• Prof. Dr. Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence;
• Stefan Badza, Advisor in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister;
• Dr. Djordje Krivokapic, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade;
• Prof. Dr. Ana Martinoli, Full Professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, University of Belgrade.

The panel discussion was moderated by Slobodan Markovic, UNDP Advisor on Digital Technologies.

At the accompanying exhibition “STE(A)M in Education”, institutions, civil society organizations, teachers, and student teams showcased initiatives that serve as examples of best practices in the use of new technologies and STEAM disciplines in education. Visitors had the opportunity to become familiar with robots, algorithms in the physical world, how plum pits turn into briquettes, and what that has to do with LEGO robots, as well as projects that elementary school students created with the help of micro:bit devices. For those with a spicy taste, high school students presented what can be obtained from chili peppers and how it relates to STEM. Additionally, visitors learned more about careers in the video game industry and creative technologies in general – what new professions this industry is creating and why it is one of the fastest-growing sectors.