GECon 2024: Lively scientific exchange on teaching and learning
The third edition of the IEEE German Education Conference (GECon) 2024 took place in Munich from August 5 to 7. The topics ranged from remote instruction, curriculum design, non-traditional teaching in engineering education to new paradigms and technologies as well as teaching networks between NGOs, academia and industry. The topics were explored and discussed in informative keynotes, workshops and technical presentations and a lively exchange of new insights took place.
Prof. Stephan Krusche opened the conference with his keynote “Artemis: Interactive Learning with Generative AI”. He showed how prudently used AI technologies with self-trained models can revolutionize education and improve student learning by changing the exchange between tutors, materials and students through technologically supported feedback processes.
On the second day, Prof. Ana Garcia Armada shared her experiences of promoting women in technical professions. Her presentation “Encouraging Female Careers in Engineering” offered valuable insights and inspiring suggestions. It became clear that the promotion of curiosity and problem-solving skills should begin as early as possible, supported by suitable role models as visible inspiration.
The keynote speech by Dr. Leah Sharp from the ProLehre team at the Technical University of Munich aroused particular interest. In her presentation “Rapidly Emerging AI Technologies: Transforming Educators' Roles”, she shed light on how AI tools are revolutionizing the educational landscape. Dr. Sharp emphasized the need to combine traditional teaching methods with AI while taking ethical considerations into account. The technical sessions that followed offered further insights into examples of AI applications in education.
A highlight was the presentation of the Best Paper Award to Stefan Röhrl, Sabrina Schwarzmeier and their team from the Chair of Data Processing at TUM for their paper “Computers & Creativity: Teaching at the Interface of Engineering, AI and Theater”. This work shows new ways to promote communication skills and creativity in engineering education.
The Institute of Medical Informatics at the University Medical Center Göttingen was represented at the conference by Dr. Nicolai Spicher (head of the scientific working group Biosignal Processing) in his role as editor and co-organizer. With the paper “Approaching Heterogenous Target Groups in E-Learning: Evaluation of a Healthcare IT Course” from the project Zukunftslabor Gesundheit, presented by Jendrik Richter, the Institute made a valuable contribution to the case studies session of the event.
In addition to the scientific program, culinary and historical highlights were not neglected. A city tour offered participants interesting insights into the history of the host city, while the evenings with networking events in beer gardens and breweries created a pleasant atmosphere and encouraged exchange among the participants.
Thanks to the support of authors, participants, reviewers and sponsors, GECon 2024 was a complete success. The next GECon will take place from July 21 to 23, 2025.
