EdTech Autumn School 2023

Basanta Adhikari, TU Dresden

The power of digital education and collaboration to drive positive change

On the first day of Autumn School in Karlsruhe, I was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. As I stepped into this new learning environment, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant atmosphere and the diverse group of participants from various backgrounds. The day began with an engaging orientation session, where I saw what to expect in the coming days. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to insightful discussions on sustainability and global challenges. I was particularly impressed by the passionate and knowledgeable instructors who shared their expertise and encouraged open dialogue among the participants.

In the presentation on understanding the dimensions of e-learning and its impact on developing and implementing digital pedagogy in Nepalese higher education, I demonstrated a strong grasp of the subject matter. My presentation highlighted the importance of e-learning in addressing the challenges faced by higher education institutions in Nepal. Overall, my presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the topic, supported by expert feedback, and laid a solid foundation for further discussions and research in the field of e-learning and digital pedagogy in Nepal's higher education. The feedback session was an excellent opportunity to learn more about my topic.

The highlight of the summer school program was the interactive group activities and ice-breaking sessions. These activities helped me get to know each other and fostered a sense of friendship among the participants. Seeing how people from different cultures and disciplines came together to exchange ideas and perspectives was externally inspiring to my career development. As the day concluded, I reflected on the wealth of knowledge I had gained and the connections I had already made to understand the roles of the E-learning dimensions for the effective development and implementation in Nepalese higher education. The Autumn School in Karlsruhe exceeded my expectations, and I eagerly look forward to the days ahead. This experience has reaffirmed my belief in the power of digital education and collaboration to drive positive change, and I am excited to continue this journey of learning and growth.

Finally, the Autumn School in Karlsruhe serves as a platform for fostering the ideas of collaboration between international higher-level institutions and Nepalese higher education, promoting knowledge exchange, cultural understanding, and partnerships for educational development. My special honour goes to Prof. Dr. Ulf-Daniel Ehlers, Prof. Dr. Thomas Koehler, Prof. Pascal Marquet, and Professors Silke Huber and Laura Eigbrecht for their outstanding contribution to successfully completing the summer school program. I am also very much thankful to Peter Bannister, Sam Toorchi Roodsari, Bruno Bernard, Daniel Apollon, Ying-Dong Liu, Vera Engelbart, Chayma Yagoubi, Eka Ary Wibawa, Bruri Triyono, Claudia Lorena Galarce Miranda, Regis Forgione, Tegan Pyke, Tomas Kaqinari, Lena Sperle, Laura Eigbrecht, Thomas Schoeftner, Anneta Heinz, Afri Yudantoko, Ana Sodero, Graziella Weltin, Maria Denami, Nick Volkmann, Santiphap Meunmany, Christian Leutgeb and all for their love, respect, support, friendship, and ideas sharing during the summer school program.

Three things in life that, once lost, hard to build up.

Thank you, and Namaste from Nepal.

Léa Daccache, Université de Strasbourg

A freeze-frame on different stages of different people’s researches

The Autumn School was a great opportunity to experience both informal and convivial sides of research. It allowed me to understand how seeing potential colleagues and collaborators present, explain and discuss their research is an occasion to reflect on your own work and its challenges. It was personally enriching to realise how young researchers face the same kind of issues along their thinking and researching, among so many diverse topics.

It was a kind of freeze-frame on different stages of different people’s researches, something I rarely see: publications are the result of the all steps. This way, the whole week nurtured my focus on different parts of the research pathway of which the importance was less clear before.

I realised some colleagues had some opportunities to present, like data to provide on a similar topic. The group we created following the focus group sessions may then remain a source of support, advice, and information sharing about opportunities we find.

Aneta Heinz, DHBW Karlsruhe

See AI in education as an innovation driver and opportunity, not as a threat

My motivation to participate in the Autumn School was to exchange ideas with other PhD students and to get (international) impulses for my work. I wish I could have given more space to this exchange, because whenever I got into exchange with people, there were fruitful and inspiring discussions. My very biggest learning at this point is therefore that I should take more time for such formats and use the opportunities for exchange more intensively. The keynote speech on AI was very inspiring. The way we look at disruptive processes in the educational landscape should sensitize us to ethical and moral aspects in our society. At the same time, we may and should see AI in education as an innovation driver and opportunity, not as a threat. I left feedback for my peer. Unfortunately, I did not receive any feedback on my work itself and did not have the opportunity to interact with anyone on this. However, this is due to my tight schedule. Conclusion: I take away with me that such formats are valuable in the academic as well as in the personal sense. At the same time, they need time and attention in order to have an effect on one's own activities. Nevertheless, I thank the organizers that I could occasionally get a glimpse of the Autumn School. The spirit and the atmosphere were wonderful!

Tomas Kaqinari, Universität Basel

A very human and intelligent experience that no “AI” could ever replace

Attending the Autumn School was in many aspects an enriching experience. With the rise of technologies like ChatGPT and the advancement of AI impacting not only education but society in general, the E&T Autumn School proved to be timely and relevant to my research and future academic pursuits. The keynotes, held by experienced professors, provided valuable perspectives on integrating AI into teaching and learning. But it wasn't just the academic content that was noteworthy. The interactions with peers and professors, the casual yet insightful discussions, and the exchange of ideas, added a unique depth to the entire experience. The social aspects of this school were truly beneficial. I feel fortunate to have made connections that I believe will be last for a long time, at least I sincerely hope so :). Beyond academic discussion and debates we were able to benefit from a friendly environment that allowed us to fail and learn. The many jokes and laughs made it a very human and intelligent experience, that no “AI” could ever replace. These new relationships offer exciting potential for future collaborations and joint research projects. In short, the Autumn School was more than an academic exercise. It was a gathering that underscored the importance of collaboration in the evolving world of digital education. As I reflect on the week, I'm filled with gratitude for the learnings and look forward to the future paths these insights and connections may pave.

Let’s meet for another round or wo of Berliner Luft… No, no, no, no…

Simone Morandini, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

The importance of creativity in higher education

The 2023 Autumn School in Karlsruhe was one of the greatest experiences in my academic life. It was a very intense week meeting researchers from different parts of the globe, learning and discussing the use of technology in education.

There were interesting activities where we had the opportunity to share ideas and create in a very friendly atmosphere. The social activities were also amazing and made the group connect in a very special way.

For the further development of my research project, the guided focus sessions helped me think about future applicability of it and the questions after my presentation showed me that there are some aspects in my research that I must explain better especially when presenting it to an international audience.

One of the reflections I took with me was the importance of creativity in higher education, as we tend to use it less as students advance in the educational system, however, it is one of the competences we should develop in order to face the needs of future generations.

Deogratias Shidende, DHBW Heidenheim

A family in which participants were ready to help one another in their professional, social, and personal lives

The Autumn school ran from 24.09 – 29.09 and, on the last day, was combined with the AI conference. The school comprised keynotes, panel discussions, research methodologies, social activities, and a bar camp. I participated in almost all activities except when they were running in parallel.

My takeaways and learnings:

• The school was well organized and full of passion from the organizers. This passion was necessary because the program was tight, and the organizers' passion gave participants the energy to proceed.
• The facilitators and organizers were approachable, meaning that it was easier to reach them when somebody needed to.
• I also liked the hands-on session offered during some research methodologies sessions. For instance, during a qualitative methodology session using CATMA software, the facilitators helped PhD students and worked passionately to ensure every attendee understood the software and the methodology behind it.
• One thing that needs improvement for future autumn/summer schools is the compactness of the schedule. The schedule was so compact that it was impossible for private endeavours. Consequently, at the end of school, almost everybody was so tired.

What was the motivation to join, and what was special?

My primary motivation was meeting and networking with other PhD students and facilitators. My motivation is that most PhD students are isolated and work alone. Such an autumn school allows us to meet with other PhD students and discuss our successes and failures. Also, to share knowledge and techniques to progress this colossal project called a PhD.

The special was to live with other students, facilitators, and organizers as a family in which participants were ready to help one another in their professional, social, and personal lives.

For research project

One thing that I started to use straight after the summer school is CATMA software for text analysis.

New collaboration

A plan is to write the research article together and submit it to a journal or conference. I hope this plan will be successful.

Afri Yudantoko, TU Dresden

Fostering the prospect of future collaborative research endeavors

Attending the doctoral summer school for the third time has consistently proven to be an enriching experience, offering me unique insights, valuable experiences, and the opportunity to expand my professional network. However, the 2023 summer school holds a special place in my heart as it marks the final chapter of my doctoral journey. This particular summer school, held in Karlsruhe over a week, was a truly inspiring and intellectually stimulating event at various captivating locations.

One of the most significant aspects of this experience was the connections I forged with esteemed professors, accomplished postdoctoral researchers, and fellow doctoral students from diverse universities and countries. These connections were a powerful source of motivation, propelling me toward the timely completion of my doctoral project and fostering the prospect of future collaborative research endeavors.

The summer school featured a series of keynote lectures and workshops that expanded my horizons and furnished me with fresh knowledge and insights that I could readily apply to advance my research journey. Engaging in excursions provided me with a holistic understanding of how I should adjust my mindset and perspective regarding the role and significance of technology in educational contexts.

The overarching theme of this summer school centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI), a topic that profoundly impacted my research project. I now see AI as a potent tool that has the potential to enhance the outcomes of my doctoral research. This newfound perspective holds immense promise for my future research career, promising to open up exciting avenues for exploration and innovation. In conclusion, my participation in this 2023 summer school has been transformative, leaving an indelible mark on my academic and professional trajectory.

(Generated by me and Supported by ChatGPT)

Peter Bannister, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja

An exceptional group of people who care for the present challenges in the domain of education and for the world of tomorrow

The International Autumn Doctoral School celebrated in Karlsruhe has marked a pivotal moment in my PhD studies thus far. I came apprehensive, guarded, and solitary and after the experience left feeling confident, collaborative and with a great sense of community. Being able to get to know such a diverse range of talented individuals from all over the world has allowed me to broaden my horizons and establish meaningful connections which I have every hope to nourish going forward. The diverse range of activities allowed for purposeful intellectual enquiry to take place which in turn sowed the seeds of reflection both on my current progress as a PhD student and as to my future as an aspiring academic.

The warmth and community building were highlights of my short stay in Germany. I have returned to Spain feeling energised to take on the challenges of the next stages of my research and inspired to do so much more beyond. The carefully crafted programme was indeed intense but at the same time highly rewarding. On reflection, it is greatly satisfying to have had the privilege to form part of an exceptional group of people who not only highly talented but deeply care for the present challenges in the domain of education and, ultimately, for the world of tomorrow.

The feedback I was given was invaluable and I very much look forward to enacting this in my work. Furthermore, I have every confidence that the seeds we have sewn for collaboration during this time will soon bear fruits. As I continue to digest the manifold propositions to this end, I very much intend to reflect on the best course for bringing these to fruition.

Vera Engelbart, DHBW Ravensburg

Thank you for introducing three interesting new software programs that I didn’t know before – the two statistical programs and that sound program we were shown at ZKM. Also the change hack method from Peter was fun and is definitely something I’d like to do in the future. Furthermore I learned a lot about research questions around AI in education / teaching contexts and which challenges are similar and different in the 11 represented countries.

The main reason I joined the School was the social event to meet so many people from different countries focussing on the same topic and to meet my colleagues from Karlsruhe. Another important reason was to learn more about AI challenges in education / teaching. Both expectations were more than fulfilled and this was the very special during the week.

For my project I received expertise where I have to put my focus. This was very helpful. To present my project in ten minutes was a good exercise. A new interesting project was discussed and I am curious if this will continue.

Olina Hilal, Université de Strasbourg

Experiences like these are rare and valuable

The Doctoral Autumn School was truly an incredible learning experience and a unique way to help us develop our PhD thesis, since various works, thoughts, and ideas were shared and taken into consideration. Experiences like these are rare and valuable, because they open our minds to crucial topics and introduce us to the future of education and how it will be. During this week I’ve got the most memorable moment with other students I met, it was an enriching life experience, also all this week was very special to me.

Christian Leutgeb, PH der Diözese Linz

New insights that I will integrate into my own teaching and work at the university

The week in Karlsruhe was very enriching and educational for me. I received many new insights through interesting keynotes that I will also integrate into my own teaching and work at the university.

My main motivation for participating in the Autumn School was to establish new contacts in the field of academia and to exchange ideas regarding my dissertation project. Indeed, I met some very interesting individuals, and I am confident that this will lead to future collaborative activities and projects. In terms of my dissertation project, I have also gained valuable insights. I am currently in the process of incorporating the feedback I received into my work.

I thoroughly enjoyed the program overall. Furthermore, the extracurricular activities were truly fascinating and instructive. I particularly enjoyed the panel discussion at the Center for Art and Media. I intend to incorporate this pedagogical method into my teaching. I was also very impressed by Peter Bryant's presentation.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent organization and the outstanding extracurricular activities. Congratulations to all involved for this truly successful event.

Tegan Pyke, Universitetet i Bergen

Having been a part of the school, I can see why some participants return year after year

I was motivated to join the Autumn school due to its topic, specifically the question it posed: "Where do we go from here in times of ChatGPT and AI?"

My journey through the education system has been in subject areas where essay writing and coursework are the main methods of assessment, which the field I'm hoping to teach in also uses. This has proven to be ripe for AI use by students, which is something I witnessed this summer: My main office mate was a Spanish visiting researcher who spent most of her time in Norway dealing with the problems related to almost half the students in the course she was teaching either partially or wholly

using AI generated submissions for their final grades. I wanted to learn how to tackle this issue before I started the teaching portion of my Doctorate.

The school helped with this in a completely unexpected way: Peter Bryant's lecture brought me to terms with the fact AI is here to stay and the best way to tackle it is to not tackle it at all but to embrace it. His perspective on marking—'if your assignment can be passed by using generative AI, it's not a good assignment'—will stay with me for the rest of my career.

Once that foundation was set, over the following days I learned a lot about approaches to teaching in higher education and the ways that methods varied across the world. This was something I wouldn’t have been exposed to if I hadn’t participated and I will be taking much of this into my future roles. I found the 42 Coding School visit particularly relevant; as someone who has struggled as a student with the delivery of practical skills within higher education institutions, their concept of project-based, self-led learning really resonated.

When I signed up for the school, I didn't expect that it would directly benefit my current research project but that also happened. All the talks, the workshops, and even the guided visits and BarCamp sessions helped inform my approaches and my viewpoints.

I also received some excellent feedback on my research project from both a peer—in my peer-to-peer abstract review—and Daniel Apollon—during my presentation. This feedback has already had a positive impact on my research. Deogratias' peer review, specifically, has led me to finding applicable theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches far earlier in my PhD process than would have naturally occurred. As a result, it has informed my research direction and made my project feel more tangible.

I was apprehensive about the social aspect before arriving—as it was my first time attending a Doctoral School, let alone one in a different country—but was delighted to find a friendly, welcoming cohort. I often found myself still enjoying company well past the end of the scheduled social events and, once or twice, attending one even when none were scheduled!

I would like to thank the organisers for such a wonderful experience. Having been a part of the school, I can see why some participants return year after year... and I'd like to be one of them!

Nick Volkmann, TU Dresden

A fresh perspective and new ideas to explore

The past week at the Autumn School has been an incredibly enriching and diverse experience, filled with stimulating lectures, presentations, and engaging activities. My initial motivation for joining the Autumn School was to expand my knowledge and gain insights into my research project. However, the week offered much more than I anticipated.

The feedback I received regarding my research project was invaluable. Constructive critiques and insightful suggestions from experienced professionals provided me with a fresh perspective and new ideas to explore. This feedback will undoubtedly guide the future development of my research, helping me refine my methodologies and focus my objectives more effectively.

Beyond the academic aspects, what made this week truly special was the formation of new social connections and collaborations. The in-depth discussions and conversations led to the creation of robust social networks that will undoubtedly strengthen and enhance future endeavors. These newfound relationships have the potential to foster collaborative projects, opening doors to innovative research opportunities and diverse perspectives.

In summary, the Autumn School not only deepened my understanding of my research but also facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations. I am leaving this week inspired, enlightened, and motivated to apply the knowledge and insights gained to further my academic pursuits. I am immensely grateful for this experience and look forward to incorporating these learnings and relationships into my future work.

Graziella Weltin, INSPÉ de l'Académie de Strasbourg

A true wellspring of inspiration

As a dedicated doctoral candidate engaged in research within the fields of information and communication sciences, as well as education and training, my experience at the Karlsruhe Autumn University reached its zenith during the Artificial Intelligence Transfer Congress at DHBW Karlsruhe. This event held particular significance for our research seminar. During this congress, I had the opportunity to present my doctoral work within the LISEC project of the University of Strasbourg. This opportunity proved to be of great value, as it allowed me to share my insights and advancements with an international audience composed of researchers and experts in education specializing in artificial intelligence.
The week spent at the Karlsruhe Autumn University served as a true wellspring of inspiration, fostering fruitful exchanges with researchers hailing from diverse backgrounds. My academic journey also afforded me the chance to explore my research topic from fresh perspectives and bolster my commitment to advancing knowledge within these pivotal realms of the humanities. I wish to extend my gratitude to the team (Laura, Lena, Ulf, Silke) and all the participants who contributed to making this event an exceptionally enriching experience.

Bruno Bernard, Université de Strasbourg

A wealth of curiosity and experience to share

My first motivation for coming to the autumn school was to really get started on my thesis. I'm in my first year as a PhD student. Having just begun the early stages of a research project, meeting people at different stages of their thesis was extremely motivating and motivating for me.

The level of the discussions and the quality of the workshops offered gave me a better understanding of the level required for a research project.

I'm also working on learning interfaces, so I was able to discuss my questions about them with the various speakers and get their opinions or research orientations on my subject.

I was able to increase my reading list and get contacts to continue my project.

The lessons to be learnt are as follows: use a rigorous methodology and discuss the subject with people from different backgrounds to broaden the issue before refocusing it.

The people I met all had a wealth of curiosity and experience to share.

Régis Forgione, Université de Strasbourg

Autumn School 2023, this is [not] the end.

I didn't know what to expect from this doctoral seminar, which my thesis supervisor Pascal Marquet strongly encouraged me to attend. In particular, I saw it as an opportunity to give a talk in English, a language I understand well but in which I never have the chance to express. Above all, it was an opportunity to meet and talk to other PhD students and researchers. And I really wasn't disappointed!

First of all, I appreciated the meticulous organisation throughout the week, with inspiring keynotes alternating with more technical or methodological workshops, cultural visits and group focus sessions. The balance between the different sessions was well-calibrated, and the quality of the speakers was top-notch.

What I really appreciated were the informal exchanges, which enabled us to forge links with fellow doctoral students and researchers. We were able to talk freely about each other's work, but also more generally about what it's like to be a doctoral student, the doubts and inspiring moments inherent in this activity... No doubt that we create some long-term links. In fact, a WhatsApp group has been set up with most of the participants.

What I'll take away from this week is the general kindness and availability of everyone, the open-mindedness of all, and some good laughs too!

As for my own research, I was able to confirm certain leads and go further on technical, methodological and statistical aspects.

If I had to sum up, I'd use a musical metaphor…

Ying-Dong Liu, Université de Strasbourg

A dynamic environment to delve into ground-breaking research

Pursuing a PhD often feels more solitary than previous academic endeavors. The intensive focus on individual research typically entails extended periods of working alone, which can diminish opportunities for valuable interactions with fellow PhD candidates or faculty experts relevant to our area of study. However, the autumn school has offered a vital platform for such engagement. As members of the education and technology community, our research primarily revolves around this topic. This context created a dynamic environment to delve into groundbreaking research and gain insights from our professors. It also facilitated stimulating discussions on pertinent issues within the field with our fellow doctoral candidates.

The keynote presentations were inspiring, covering topics such as AI in Education, 42 Coding Schools, Learning Spaces, and IT competencies for sustainable and mindful AI usage. In particular, Prof. Daniel Apollon's questions prompted deeper reflections on the relationship between human consciousness and machines and between humans and artificial intelligence. The various workshops provided invaluable insights for our research. Peer activities, like focus groups, peer reviews, and BarCamps, allowed us to delve into specific topics while taking on the reviewer role. I connected with several peers who share my research interests, and we plan to co-author a paper. Many thanks to the organizing team, Prof. Ulf-Daniel Ehlers, Laura Eigbrecht, Lena Sperle and Silke Huber for the fantastic and inspiring autumn school. Overall, this collective journey has significantly enriched the depth and scope of my academic insights.

Santiphap Meunmany, TU Dresden

A Week of Learning and Collaboration

My participation in the Autumn School in Karlsruhe was a profoundly enriching experience, leaving me with a wealth of insights and inspiration. I was motivated to join the event to broaden my research horizons and connect with a like-minded community of researchers. Throughout the week, I was struck by the perfect blend of structured learning and spontaneous collaboration, which created an environment that genuinely fostered intellectual growth. The feedback and diverse perspectives I received were invaluable in refining my research project, offering fresh angles and ideas. What truly stood out was the emergence of new projects and the potential for exciting collaborations that surfaced during the event. The Autumn School proved to be a catalyst for personal and professional development. I'm enthusiastic about applying my newfound knowledge and expanding my network to drive my research forward while forging new collaborative paths.

Sam Toorchi Roodsari, TU Dresden

A holistic experience, offering more than just academic benefits

Introduction

The Autumn School in Karlsruhe, a week-long intensive program designed for PhD students, was a deeply enriching experience that I recently had the opportunity to participate in. The program aimed to promote academic growth, collaborative research, and peer networking. As a PhD student under the supervision of professor Thomas Köhler, in educational technology, this experience proved invaluable for my research and personal development.

Motivation for Joining the Autumn School

My primary motivation for attending the Autumn School was to gain new insights and perspectives on my research area. The event promised to bring together a heterogeneous and interdisciplinary group of scholars, and it certainly fulfilled that promise.

Learnings and Take-aways: You're Not Alone!

The workshop sessions were interactive and collaborative, showcasing a range of research topics and methodologies. It was reassuring to see that I was not alone in facing challenges on my academic journey. Interacting with other students who shared similar research problems was not only comforting but also invigorating. It's given me a newfound energy to tackle my PhD objectives.

The Special Experience: Presentation Skills and Interdisciplinary Learning

The presentation sessions were, for me, the standout feature of the week. They offered not only a platform to share my work but also to receive constructive feedback. The questions posed by my peers and senior researchers were thought-provoking and offered fresh angles to approach my research questions.

Advancements in Research Design

The feedback I received was especially helpful in fine-tuning the design of my research questionnaire. This seemingly minor adjustment has made my research objectives clearer, more focused, and easier to communicate.

New Avenues: Potential Collaborations and Future Directions

While the immediate benefits were immense, the event also sowed seeds for future collaboration. Discussions on overlapping research interests have opened the door for future joint projects.

Conclusion

The Autumn School experience was a holistic one, offering more than just academic benefits. It's provided me with a more nuanced approach to my research and several life-long academic contacts. For any PhD student looking for a transformative experience, programs like these are a must.

Chayma Yagoubi, Université de Strasbourg

A very important event for me and essential for the resumption of my research

First and foremost, I'd like to thank all the organizers for

• the excellent organization of the Autumn School,
• the warm welcome I received at the beautiful Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe
• as well as the varied program and speakers throughout the week.

It was a pleasure to take part in this autumn school for the second time in my student doctoral career. Following a one-year break during my doctoral studies, due to two consecutive fat girls. This year it's a very important event for me and essential for the resumption of my research. During this exceptional week, surrounded by young PhD students, PhD students and Professors, I had the opportunity to get to know and forge links with people whose research direction is similar or close to my thesis subject.

It was the perfect opportunity to resume my research. The fact that I was able to take part in a presentation on my research topic enabled me to get feedback and suggestions for improving and better defining my research. New ideas were generated as a result of the feedback I received on my presentation. What's great about this event is that we get to share our experiences, research, working methods and advice on how to improve and make better progress on the thesis.

On the train back to Mulhouse, I met someone from Stuttgart who was working on the learning of a foreign language by Syrian migrants. We exchanged contact details, as our research direction is similar "learning a new language by migrants".