📅 Date: December 1, 2024
📍 Location: Higher School of Transport "Todor Kableshkov"
👥 Participants: 24 internal (faculty and staff) + 18 external (academics, industry experts)

On December 1, 2024, the Higher School of Transport "Todor Kableshkov" hosted a dynamic focus group session bringing together 42 participants from both within and outside the institution. This event was part of the EmpowerAI project, aiming to foster ethical AI adoption in higher education.

Key Discussions & Insights

🔹 Academic Honesty & AI Integration
Participants explored the impact of AI-powered tools on academic integrity. Faculty members expressed concerns about AI’s role in student assessments, while external experts emphasized the need for clear ethical guidelines to balance technological innovation with integrity.

🔹 Quality of Education & Skill Development
Discussions centered around AI’s potential to enhance learning outcomes, with educators debating how to ensure AI tools support—rather than replace—critical thinking in students. Attendees agreed on the necessity of upskilling academic staff to integrate AI effectively into teaching methodologies.

🔹 Personal Responsibility in the Age of AI
The focus group highlighted the importance of fostering personal responsibility among students using AI in their studies. Promoting AI literacy and ethical awareness emerged as key strategies to empower students in navigating digital tools responsibly.

🔹 Equity in AI-Enhanced Education
Ensuring equal access to AI resources was another critical discussion point. Participants emphasized that AI integration should not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather support inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all students.

Next Steps & Takeaways

The insights gathered from this session will contribute to shaping ethical guidelines and developing training programs under the EmpowerAI project. The discussions reinforced the need for academic policies that balance AI innovation with responsibility, fairness, and integrity.