From 15 to 17 October, the CEU Abat Oliba University hosted the 12th International Congress on the Word in Education, an event organised by the CEU UAO research group TRIVIUM in collaboration with the Ignatianum University in Cracow and the University of Antwerp. The congress brought together 50 speakers from ten countries who, under the theme “Hope and Meaning in the Age of Technology”, reflected on the challenges of technological transformation in education and the importance of preserving the human dimension of education.
The opening remarks were delivered by Marcin Kazmierczak, Rector of the CEU UAO, who recalled the origins of the congress, which began fifteen years ago at the University itself. He also emphasised the value of face-to-face interaction, friendship and shared reflection as fundamental aspects of the educational experience that technology cannot replace.
Miguel Ángel Barbero, director of the congress, and Krzysztof Biel, dean of the Faculty of Education at the Ignatianum University in Cracow, also addressed the attendees. In his remarks, Barbero highlighted that although artificial intelligence is able to generate text and imitate voices, it cannot replace human experience and consciousness. In this regard, he argued that technology should be put at the service of people. For his part, Biel stressed the importance of genuine dialogue and recognising the dignity of every student in order to ensure a high-quality education.
Education and Humanism in the Age of Technology
Over the course of the three days, the conference featured lectures and round-table discussions dedicated to topics such as the challenges of artificial intelligence in education, teacher training, the impact of screens on childhood and the importance of preserving human relationships in an increasingly technological environment.
Among the plenary presentations, Andrea Porcarelli, from the University of Padua, reflected on the influence of technology on educational relationships and the role of hope in the holistic development of individuals. For his part, Mark Carver, from the University of St Andrews, addressed the challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence in academic assessment, especially in postgraduate and doctoral studies.
Marina Fernández, a lecturer and researcher at the CEU Abat Oliba University, also analysed the impact of screens and digital environments on the development and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Finally, Carlos Rubio, from the Salesian University School of Sarrià, explored Christian humanism in the face of the advances in artificial intelligence and robotics, highlighting human dignity and the importance of personal bonds.
With this new edition, the CEU UAO reinforces its commitment to research, academic dialogue and a holistic education that incorporates technological advancements while never losing sight of human dignity, the value of the spoken word and the importance of human relationships.
