About the Institut Universitari Alma Mater

The strategic decision to establish The Institut Universitari Alma Mater aims to fill a historical gap by promoting research in university institutions across all social science disciplines. eUniv’s founding institutions and individuals sharing extensive experience in creating and managing university centers, innovating teaching methodologies, and developing technologies for higher education initiated this endeavor to benefit the next generation of students and professionals. The Institut Universitari Alma Mater aims to fill a historical gap by promoting research in university institutions across all social science disciplines. This initiative is supported by the Fundació Layret, which funds the institute activities.

About San Julián de Loria, Andorra

Sant Julià de Lòria is the southernmost of the seven parishes of the Principality of Andorra, bordered to the north by Andorra la Vella and the south by Spain

Sant Julià de Lòria stands as Andorra’s premier university town, offering a unique and enriching educational experience. Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, this vibrant community provides a conducive environment for academic pursuits.

The use of artificial intelligence as learning tool in higher education

Introduction

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education is rapidly reshaping the landscape of learning. AI enhances various aspects of university life beyond teaching, including administrative tasks, faculty support, research, data analysis, and student services. AI offers numerous possibilities for enriching teaching and learning experiences through personalized tutoring and intelligent content creation. This transformation is driven by technological advancements, increased accessibility to AI tools, and the recognition of AI’s educational benefits. However, the integration of AI in university classrooms has sparked significant debate. While AI presents exciting opportunities for educational enhancement, it also raises ethical concerns and challenges. Key issues include:

• Personalized Learning vs. Standardized Education: AI can tailor education to individual students’ needs, but there are concerns about the potential for it to exacerbate existing inequalities.

• Data Privacy: The collection and use of student data by AI systems raises privacy concerns.

• Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of AI in education, such as bias in algorithms and the potential for misuse, need careful consideration.

• Technical Challenges: AI systems may experience technical difficulties or limitations, disrupting the learning process.

Format of the Research Forum

• Hybrid Format: The forum will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online participation. This will ensure maximum accessibility and inclusivity for researchers from around the world.

• Languages: Communications will be accepted in Catalan, Spanish, and English. This will facilitate participation from a diverse range of researchers and promote cross-cultural exchange.

• Presentation and Discussion: Presenters will have 20-minutes to present their research findings. Following each presentation, there will be a 20-minute Q&A session for discussion and debate among participants.

• Conference Proceedings: All communications accepted for presentation the forum will be published in conference proceedings. This will ensure that the research is widely disseminated and accessible to the academic community.

• Schedule: The presentation schedule of the forum will be published ahead of the forum.

Call for papers

This research forum invites submissions from scholars exploring the multifaceted ways in which AI is being integrated into university classrooms, both physical and virtual. As AI continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning is undeniable. This forum aims to provide a platform for researchers to share their insights, findings, and experiences related to AI’s role in classroom in higher education. Illustrative themes and questions include:

AI and Student Learning Outcomes

1. How does AI impact student engagement, motivation, and academic performance?
2. What are the long-term effects of AI on student learning, such as critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity?
3. How does AI affect students’ attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of their own capabilities?
4. Does AI exacerbate or mitigate existing disparities in educational outcomes among different student populations?
5. How can AI be used to support students who are struggling or at risk of dropping out?

AI and Teaching Practices

1. How can AI be effectively integrated into existing teaching methods, such as lectures, tutorials, and group work?
2. What are the challenges and opportunities for faculty in using AI, including technical skills, pedagogical knowledge, and professional development?
3. How can AI be used to support faculty in developing personalized learning experiences for students?
4. What are the potential negative consequences of overreliance on AI in teaching, such as a decline in human interaction and mentorship?
5. How can AI be used to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students?

Ethical Considerations

1. How can we ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly in education, avoiding bias, discrimination, and privacy violations?
2. What are the implications of AI-driven bias on student outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups?
3. How can we address the ethical challenges associated with the use of AI in high-stakes assessments, such as standardized tests and admissions decisions?
4. What are the potential negative consequences of AI-powered surveillance and monitoring of students, such as increased stress and anxiety?
5. How can we ensure that AI is used to promote social justice and equity in education?

Future Trends and Challenges

1. What are the emerging trends in AI for education, such as generative AI, machine learning, and natural language processing?
2. How can we address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the future, such as the need for new pedagogical approaches, ethical frameworks, and technical skills?
3. What are the potential implications of AI on the future of higher education, including changes in the role of faculty, the nature of learning, and the structure of institutions?
4. How can we ensure that AI is used to benefit all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, cultural background, or learning style?
5. What are the potential long-term consequences of AI on society, such as the impact on employment, social inequality, and democracy?

Case Studies and Best Practices

1. What are successful examples of AI implementation in university classrooms, and what factors contribute to their success?
2. What lessons can be learned from these case studies, including best practices for integrating AI into teaching and learning?
3. How can we identify and address the challenges and pitfalls associated with AI implementation in education?
4. What are the key factors that determine the effectiveness of AI-powered tools and interventions?
5. How can we promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices related to AI in education?

Submission

• Deadline: Papers must be submitted by November 30, 2024.

Submissions should be written in Catalan, Spanish, or English. Papers must be submitted in Word format using Times New Roman 12-point font with single spacing. Submissions should be between 3000 and 5000 words long. Email submissions to: submissions.researchforum2024@euniv.eu

Submissions must be original, unpublished works not submitted elsewhere. They will undergo peer review for relevance, originality, technical quality, and presentation before being published in open-access conference proceedings. This revision ensures clarity while maintaining an academic tone appropriate for an announcement regarding a research forum at a university level.