Participants of the staff week getting to know Riga. Photo: UL Mobility Unit.

On 20-24 May 2024, the University of Latvia (UL) hosted the 4th International staff week "Integrating Critical Thinking, COIL, and AI for Enhanced Higher Education" organized by the Mobility Division of the UL.

The event aimed to combine critical thinking principles with collaborative online international learning (COIL) methodologies and modern artificial intelligence tools to enrich the higher education experience. Emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills, the event focused on promoting a learning environment that encourages students to question, analyze, and evaluate information from a global perspective.

The program kicked off on 26 April 2024 with an engaging online session led by expert professor Angelos Rodafinos from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with an introduction to artificial intelligence and practical lessons about how to find tools that one needs to use artificial intelligence efficiently.

The week-long training in May welcomed 19 participants from 10 different countries, including 10 representatives from the FORTHEM university alliance. Through a series of lectures and workshops by renowned experts in artificial intelligence and critical thinking, participants delved into current artificial intelligence trends, its impact on our world, and how its tools can be utilized for better learning and problem-solving.

While academic enrichment was a key focus, the programme also offered the participants an opportunity to immerse themselves in Riga's vibrant culture and history. An excursion organized by Erasmus Student Network Riga took them on a captivating journey through the Old Town. The week continued with a visit to Jūrmala for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage.

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