Artificial intelligence in schooling and the importance of connections at Ash Wednesday Conference

Bridge between artificial intelligence and the future in schooling

The conference aimed to build a bridge between artificial intelligence and the future of primary schooling in Reykjavík City. Additionally, emphasis was placed on professional development and connections among school staff, with education booths offered for the first time alongside the conference program. There were various presentations from primary school operations in Reykjavík and from school development projects related to artificial intelligence. Conference attendees were given ample time to move between sessions, talk with each other and learn about what was presented.

Artificial intelligence, fruitful dialogue and professional community

The conference opened with remarks from Steinn Jóhannsson, Director of Education & Youth, where he emphasized the value of nurturing trusted communication and collaboration among schools while schools harness the benefits of artificial intelligence to support their operations.

Next, Ágúst Þór Guðmundsson and Arnar Páll Viktorsson from the band Grandaboys performed three songs, and their musical performance set the tone for the event's atmosphere, which was characterized by sincerity, humor and wonderful singalong participation from everyone.

The conference also showed a video from the School & Recreation Council Inspiration Award ceremony, with Rimaskóli, Laugarnesskóli and Engjaskóli receiving the awards this year.

Many diverse presentations on artificial intelligence

The conference's educational presentations focused on opportunities that lie in using artificial intelligence in education. Björn Kristjánsson from Mixtúra discussed social aspects and the impact of artificial intelligence on school operations, and Loftur Þórarinn Guðmundsson from Víkurskóli showed how artificial intelligence can support feedback to students. Birna Sif Kristinsdóttir, Dagný Björk Arnljótsdóttir, Halldóra M. Gunnarsdóttir, Linda Björg Pétursdóttir and Rakel Lúðvíksdóttir from Árbæjarskóli, Engjaskóli, Hlíðaskóli and Víkurskóli presented their experience with the Artificial Intelligence Primary Schools implementation project, which will be offered to all schools starting in mid-March. Finally, Ragnar Þór Pétursson from Norðlingaskóli discussed artificial intelligence from the perspectives of freedom, communication and human and professional viewpoints.

The education booths – lively dialogue about professional creativity in schooling

An innovation was offered at this year's conference, with education booths running alongside the program where guests could learn about diverse projects involving artificial intelligence. There, teachers, specialists and school staff could present diverse projects, for example development work and educational materials that reflect the ever-changing landscape of primary school education. The presentations reflected well the breadth of primary school operations, where attendees could learn about future school design, adaptive learning materials created with artificial intelligence assistance, experience creative STEAM projects and explore projects that promote student wellbeing. There was also a presentation on how to create supportive reading culture and reading environments in schools. The education booths therefore featured both large and small projects, entrepreneurship, innovation in teaching, technical solutions and ideas built on humanity and professionalism. They clearly demonstrated the willingness of staff and schools to share knowledge, learn from each other and strengthen school operations by opening the doors to the diverse projects underway in the capital's schools.

The conference presenter was Svandís Egilsdóttir, program director at West Center, and Árný Guðmundsdóttir and Iðunn Bjarnadóttir provided sign language interpretation for the event.