On 15th October 2023, in the Science-Technological Park in Novi Sad, in the organization of the foundation “For the Serbian People and State”, the panel discussion was held under the name “The Future of Science”. The panel attended by a large number of students and dear guests discussed the role of artificial intelligence in science and education in Serbia. The speakers included experts from the field of science and technology, such as Professor Boris Dumnić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, the University of Novi Sad, Professor Danimir Mandić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Education, the University of Belgrade, and Goran Vesić, Minister of Construction. Transport and Infrastructure.
In his presentation, Professor Dumnić pointed to the importance of the application of artificial intelligence in education, particularly at the Faculty of Technical Sciences.
“Artificial intelligence enables students to use their education to the maximum by offering support adjusted to different levels of knowledge. These systems also help professors to educate future engineers more efficiently. However, the key question we ask is who has access to these tools and who runs the machines”, Dumnić said, adding that many experts in the field of artificial intelligence in Serbia were educated at this Faculty, which indicates its key role in the future of the development of this technology.
In traditional teaching based on Komensky’s paradigm, which uses mostly the frontal form of work with students, it is difficult to prepare teaching material in line with students’ individual abilities, interests and former knowledge, explained Professor Mandić, who at one moment during his presentation had a live conversation about artificial intelligence with an avatar on the large screen.
“The main idea of using artificial intelligence in education is to increase students’ activity and to individualize teaching in the process of acquiring new knowledge. The point is to encourage students, after individual researching, to announce certain facts, to comment on them together, to develop critical thought and obtain feedback from their teachers. This model would ensure that the student likes school instead of avoiding it. At the same time, it is clear that artificial intelligence will not replace teachers, but will only support them in improving the educational process because it can automate administrative tasks, personalize learning, analyze students’ performances and provide individualized feedback. Moreover, the teachers’ key roles, such as developing critical thought, emotional intelligence and ethical education, will remain beyond reach of the existing technology”.
Minister Goran Vesić listed several interesting examples in order to emphasize the use of modern technologies in construction and transport.
“Integration of innovation in construction and transport systems is becoming imperative in every modern society. Scientific research is crucial in resolving global challenges and Serbia, through projects integrating the latest innovation, builds the future adapted to the challenges of the 21st century”, said Vesić. He spoke to the students about the revolutionary technologies, for example 3D printing in construction, new materials such as self-healing concrete, bioplastics or transparent wood, as well as about using robots in the performance of works, about smart highways, electric cars and other aspects of the Ministry’s everyday work.
The students asked various questions and, according to them, the panel organized by the foundation “For the Serbian People and State” provided them with an insight into the key changes brought by artificial intelligence in science and education in our country, as well as its effect on industrial sectors and society as a whole.
