An introduction to the role of Artificial Intelligence in higher education

The course, organized by the University Humane Technology Lab and Teaching and Learning Lab, aims to introduce Università Cattolica professors to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, exploring tools, methodologies and ethical implications related to the use of these technologies.

Objectives

1. Learning with AI
   How to use AI as a teaching tool to foster learning processes, with a focus on personalizing the educational experience.
   
   
2. Collaborating with AI
   Prepare educators to lead students in an increasingly AI-influenced world by developing critical and analytical skills.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the impact of AI on human values, inclusion and sustainability processes.

When and where

• January/February 2025
• In presence in Milan and in streaming for the other locations

No computer or technical skills are required.

Calendar

• Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 16.00 - 18.30
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 16.30 - 18.30
• Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 16.30 - 18.30
• Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 16.30 - 18.30

Structure

• Theoretical and practical sessions.
• Co-design and experimentation of AI technologies in teaching.

Program

Introduction to AI and its applications in teaching

• Introduction to the Path - The challenge of the human in the age of artificial intelligence (Don Luca Peyron, 30 min.)

In the general introduction, some of the most relevant issues arising from an anthropological, and consequently ethical, reflection on the implications of the use of AI will be examined.

• AI as a tool for educational improvement (Luca Tremolada, 2 hours)

The module examines the potential of AI as an interdisciplinary tool to transform research and teaching in the humanities. It will discuss how technology can enrich teaching methodologies, facilitating access to new resources and data, and how it can help create personalized learning experiences for students.

• Theoretical-Applicative Foundations of AI (Marco Passarotti, 2 hours)

An introduction to the technical underpinnings of AI, with a focus on language models and their uses in education. The concepts of machine learning, deep learning, fine-tuning, and predictive and generative models will be examined.

Transformer Architecture and AI Ethics

• Architecture and Applications of Transformers. From Neural Networks to Prompting in Language Models (Marco Passarotti and Giovanni Moretti, 2 hours)

The module explains the architecture of Transformers, describing how neural networks and language models can be applied to teaching. Practical examples of the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their possible educational applications will be included.

• For a responsible use of AI (Ciro De Florio, 2 hours)

The module explores the ethical implications of AI, focusing on privacy, algorithmic bias, accessibility, and social impact. The importance of a human-centric approach that protects human values in the use of AI in education will be addressed.

Scientific Coordination

Giovanni Marseguerra, Director of the Teaching and Learning Lab.

Giuseppe Riva, Director of the Humane Technology Lab.

Teachers

• Ciro De Florio, Associate Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• Giovanni Moretti, collaborator of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for the Computerization of Signs of Expression (CIRCSE) of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart;
• Marco Passarotti, Full Professor of Computational Linguistics and Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre for the Computerisation of Signs of Expression (CIRCSE) at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• Fr. Luca Peyron, professor of Theology, director of the University Pastoral Care of Turin and the region, coordinates the Service for the Digital Apostolate;
• Luca Tremolada, journalist for Il Sole 24 Ore.

For information and registration

Email: telelab@unicatt.it