📅 Date: November 28, 2024
📍 Location: Technical University of Sofia
👥 Participants: 21 faculty members
📊 Survey Responses: 16 submissions

As part of the EmpowerAI project, the Technical University of Sofia conducted a focus group discussion with faculty members to explore the ethical and educational challenges posed by AI in academia. The session provided valuable insights into academic integrity, skill development, personal responsibility, and equity in AI-enhanced education.

Following the discussion, a survey was conducted to assess participant satisfaction regarding organization, relevance of the topic, engagement, and willingness to participate in future initiatives.

Key Discussion Points & Findings

🔹 Academic Honesty in the Age of AI
Participants debated the challenges of AI-generated content, plagiarism detection, and maintaining academic integrity. The discussion highlighted the need for clear guidelines on responsible AI use in education and assessment.

🔹 Enhancing Education & Skill Development
Faculty members explored how AI can be integrated into teaching to support critical thinking and digital literacy. Concerns were raised about the over-reliance on AI tools, emphasizing the importance of training educators to leverage AI without compromising core learning objectives.

🔹 Fostering Personal Responsibility
A recurring theme was the importance of educating students on ethical AI use. Participants agreed that ethical awareness and responsibility should be embedded into university curricula to ensure students understand the implications of AI in academic and professional settings.

🔹 Ensuring Equity in AI Adoption
The discussion underscored the importance of equal access to AI tools and resources, particularly for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Faculty members emphasized the need for policies that promote inclusive AI education.