How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Education?

6 December 2023

The conference on the impact of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on education, titled "The World Ahead," gathered over 600 participants today at the Palace of Serbia. Among the attendees were professors, teachers, representatives of the academic community, and experts in the fields of education, science, and technology. 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.

During the panels, lectures, and presentations, discussions revolved around how artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in education, and what knowledge and skills are necessary for both educators and students to harness the potential offered by artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.

The panel on "Responsible and Critical Use of AI" featured the following speakers:

Stefan Badza, Advisor in the Office of the President of the Government;
Prof. Dr. Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence;
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, Advisor for Digital Technologies at UNDP.

In conjunction with the conference, an exhibition titled "STE(A)M in Education" showcased initiatives from institutions, civil society organizations, teachers, and student teams as examples of best practices in utilizing new technologies and STEAM disciplines in education. Visitors had the opportunity to become acquainted with robots, algorithms in the physical world, as well as how plum pits are transformed into bricks and its connection to LEGO robots. Additionally, projects undertaken by primary school students with the help of micro:bit devices were presented. For those with a taste for the spicy, high school students demonstrated the various products that can be obtained from chili peppers and their relationship with STEM. Visitors also had the chance to learn more about careers in the video game industry and creative technologies, exploring the new professions emerging in this rapidly developing field.