Semarang - Friday, November 15, 2024, became a historic day for the world of global education with the holding of the 1st International Conference on Global Education and Learning (ICGEL 2024). The event, which took place online through the Zoom platform, presented the main theme "Ethical Implications of AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges, “ which attracted academics, practitioners, and researchers from various countries.
The conference opened with remarks from keynote speaker Alfina Wildatul Fitriyah, S.Pd., M.Pd., from the Nurul Qarnain Jember Sharia College. In her presentation, she reviewed the various opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of education, ranging from wider access to personalized learning. However, she also highlighted the major challenges that must be faced, especially regarding ethical issues such as algorithm bias, personal data protection, and the impact on teaching staff. Alfina emphasized the importance of a balanced approach so that AI can be used responsibly and still respect human values.
The discussion continued with presentations from international speakers. Dr. Garima Diwan from Government MVPG College discussed how AI can revolutionize the learning experience through her talk titled "AI and Education: Transforming the Learning Experience." She explained technologies such as adaptive learning and data-driven educational analytics that can provide a more personalized approach to learning. However, he also cautioned the need for integration between technology and traditional methods to create a holistic educational experience.
Next, Raveenthiran Vivekanantharasa, B.Ed., HNDE, DiTech, CTHE, M.Sc., M.Phil-PhD, from the Open University of Sri Lanka, shared his views on the topic "Application of AI in Language Studies: Opportunities and Challenges." He outlined how AI is being used in language learning, such as through automatic translation and speech recognition tools. However, challenges include AI's limitations in capturing cultural context and often complex idioms. According to him, these innovations must be combined with humanistic approaches to produce an effective and meaningful language learning process.
Hosted by Syifaul Ummah, M.Pd. from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Al Ghazali (UNUGHA) Cilacap, and moderated by Bayu Ade Prabowo, S.S., M.S. from Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Pariwisata Indonesia, Semarang, the discussion was full of enthusiasm and interaction. The participants from various backgrounds actively participated, asked critical questions, and shared their views on the application of AI in education.
At the end of the event, the organizers expressed their appreciation to all parties involved, especially the speakers who had provided in-depth insights into this highly relevant topic. The1st International Conference on Global Education and Learning (ICGEL 2024) succeeded in being an inspiring forum that blends innovative ideas and attention to ethical challenges, paving the way for global collaboration to create smart, inclusive, and equitable education systems.
