The EDIT conference, held at the PMF in Split, was a vibrant event that brought together educators, school directors, experts, and representatives from educational institutions. The focus was on shaping the future of education through digital technologies and lifelong learning programs. Members of the Artificial Intelligence research group from the Faculty of Science, Split, including Divna Krpan, Goran Zaharija, and Saša Mladenović, played a significant role in organizing the event, contributing their expertise to the conference’s success.
Highlights of the EDIT Conference
Digital Skills Development: The conference emphasized the importance of acquiring digital skills for students, which is essential for success in a rapidly advancing technological world.
EDIT CodeSchool Success: Over the past seven years, EDIT CodeSchool has offered free programming courses in over 30 primary and secondary schools in the Split-Dalmatia County, with more than 3000 children enrolled.
Innovative Projects: The conference showcased outstanding EDIT projects like JUNIOR Dev React, JUNIOR Dev Express, and the AI Hands-On Workshop, culminating in the announcement of the EDIT CodeSchool winners.
Keynote Speakers and Their Messages
Damir Brčić: The leader of Digital Dalmatia highlighted the goal of fostering lifelong learning and introducing innovations in the educational process to make learning more accessible to new generations.
Panel Discussion: The panel discussion featured Davor Aničić, founder of “Velebit AI”, Gordan Radobolja, Vice Dean for Education at PMF Split, Saša Mladenović, a full professor at PMF, and Ivan Biliškov, director of “Codeasy”.
Key Points:
- The panelists emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) will not replace teachers or students.
- They discussed the importance of being creators and controllers of AI technologies to excel in global competition.
- Ivan Biliškov concluded by saying, “We must be aware that we control our own destiny. We should not be mere users, but creators and individuals who know how to manage AI if we want to be better than others, or rather, the best.”
This session highlighted the crucial role of AI in education and the workforce, and the need for individuals to develop skills to leverage AI effectively.
Recognizing Excellence
The conference recognized the best EDIT projects and outstanding works by students from primary and secondary schools. Projects like the “Yolo” algorithm for vehicle detection and tracking, and various web development initiatives demonstrated the talent and creativity of the participants.
The Future of Education
The EDIT conference aimed to encourage dialogue on best practices, challenges, and opportunities presented by the integration of digital tools into education. It highlighted the importance of continuous improvement of digital skills and the role of teachers in adapting programs to meet the needs of students in their local communities.
By fostering a collaborative environment and showcasing innovative projects, the EDIT conference underscored the importance of preparing the next generation for a future where digital literacy and technological proficiency are paramount.
