DisCo Conference

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Recordings from the 20th DisCo

PHOTOS
PROGRAM

Presentations

WHO PREFER ONLINE EDUCATION? HOW PERSONALITY AFFECTS PREFERENCES FOR ONLINE, ONSITE AND MIX-MODE COURSES

DEVELOPING NEWS LITERACY BOJAN KUNDACINABELGRADE CITY LIBRARYRESOURCES

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS ON THE MOODLE LEARNING PLATFORM

The student e-portfolio as a tool for (self-)learning, reflection and design for LIS undergraduate students

elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward teaching students with specific learning disabilities in a distance learning

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences of Students and University Teachers

How Teachers Picture AI

AI-Enhanced Learning in STE(A)M: Applying the CAIR Framework and Storytelling

“WRITE” OR WRONG?

DIGITAL PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT: FOSTERING FUTURE SKILLS THROUGH MICROLEARNING AND MOOC PLATFORMS

„The party has begun”– Snapshot of AI usage and topic relevance among participants of the Hungarian Scientific Student’s Associations Conferences (OTDK)

FROM INTUITION TO SKILL: CHALLENGES OF DESIGN AND ART EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF GEN-AI TOOLS

Using artificial intelligence-enabled information systems for the individualization and personalization of youth education

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Empower teachers for the future of education with Explainable AI

AI-Driven Competency Mapping: Diagnosing Misalignments Between Curriculum, Resources, and Assessment

EMPOWERING DIGITAL EDUCATION FOR WOMEN OVER 60 IN THE AI ERA

Posters

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN LIBRARIES

Michaela Mrázová
Download (.pdf)

A CHILD WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR: THE ROLE OF CAREGIVERS

Klára Pirklová
Download (.pdf)

EDUCATIONAL ESCAPE ROOM 2.0

Monika Frania
Download (.pdf)

DIGCOMPEDU COOKBOOK: AN OPEN ONLINE RESOURCE FOR TEACHER EDUCATORS

Michal Černý, Daniela Ryšavá
Download (.pdf)

Workshops

Empowering Educators with AI: Mapping Competencies Across Curriculum,

  • Lectors: Maria Gutu, Ph.D., Lilia Rotaru, Ph.D., Technical University of Moldova
  • Time: 25. 6. 2025, 14:40 – 15:40
  • Room: Morava

In competency-based education, aligning curriculum objectives with instructional resources and assessment practices is crucial for ensuring coherent and effective instruction. However, many educators encounter challenges in maintaining this alignment due to the fragmented nature of teaching materials and frequently evolving curriculum standards. This workshop introduces an innovative AI-powered tool designed to support educators in mapping competencies across curriculum components, instructional materials, and assessment instruments. Participants will engage with real-world case studies, receive hands-on guidance on using the tool, and explore ways to implement it within their own teaching contexts.

Maria Gutu, Ph.D., Technical University of Moldova

Maria Gutu is a university lecturer at the Technical University of Moldova and an expert in the integration of emerging technologies into the educational process. She specialises in flipped classroom methodology and the implementation of STEAM-based projects. As a holder of the Digital Ambassador title, Maria not only effectively applies digital tools in her teaching but also mentors students in the design and development of educational technologies. In this workshop, she will provide practical insights into leveraging AI to enhance curriculum alignment and instructional design.

Lilia Rotaru, Ph.D., Technical University of Moldova

Lilia Rotaru is an education developer at the Technical University of Moldova, with expertise in
programming and the application of artificial intelligence to education. Actively engaged in
research and pedagogical innovation, she integrates advanced technologies into the instructional
process and guides students in creating AI-driven educational solutions. During the workshop,
Lilia will demonstrate the practical use of the AI platform and assist participants in adapting the
tool to their specific teaching environments.

Digital Education in 2040: Exploring Plausible Futures

  • Lecture: Jan Beseda, Ph.D., Centre for Higher Education Studies
  • Time: 26. 6. 2025, 11:30 – 12:30
  • Room: Morava

This interactive 60-minute workshop will delve into the multifaceted landscape of digital education in 2040, drawing insights from recent futuring studies and scenario archetypes. Participants will explore the forces shaping the future of learning, including technological advancements, societal shifts, and potential constraints. We will examine four plausible scenarios for digital education – Growth, Constraint, Decline, and Transformation – to understand their implications for learners, educators, and institutions. Through guided discussion and collaborative activities, attendees will:


    • Gain an understanding of “futuring” concepts: Learn how to use foresight methods to anticipate and prepare for emerging trends in digital education.
    • Identify key trends and “game changers”: Discover the 16 highly relevant and impactful trends identified through horizon scanning that could significantly influence education by 2040, such as the emergence of GenAI, advancements in XR, and the rising need for new skills in the labor market.
    • Explore Dator’s Four Futures: Analyze different future scenarios for digital education, from “Empowered Learning” with AI-powered personalization and lifelong learning to a “Disciplined and Rational Education” shaped by increased regulation and sustainability efforts. We will also touch upon the “Decline/Collapse” scenario, considering risks like widespread AI-driven fraud and digital inequality , and a “Transformative Vision” emphasizing human-centered learning and ethical technology integration.
    • Discuss implications and opportunities: Reflect on the potential challenges and opportunities presented by each scenario, fostering critical thinking about the proactive steps needed to shape a desirable future for digital education.

Jan Beseda, Ph.D., Centre for Higher Education Studies

Jan Beseda, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the Centre for Higher Education Studies and holds the position of Head of the National Centre for Distance Education. Additionally, Jan serves as the Director of the Czech Association of Professional Tertiary Education. His primary areas of expertise include leveraging ICT in education, ensuring quality in higher education, and fostering competency development. Jan is also renowned for his role as the primary organizer of the international DisCo conference, focusing on the integration of ICT in education. Furthermore, he actively participates in several influential working groups, such as EURASHE Quality Assurance Community of Practice, and has been involved in numerous international projects. He was active member of European Digital Educations Squads: Futuring Education, Safety and Security.

Keynote speakers

Vlad Mihaescu, PhD

The Polytechnic University of Timisoara, Romania

 

Vlad Mihaescu has a Ph.D. in educational and technological models of MOOCs and has more than 20 years of experience as a trainer and teacher in areas like multimedia technologies, social media, e-tourism, e-learning, usability, entrepreneurship, programming, soft skills, leadership, and project management. Author of over 50 scientific papers and book chapters published in international conferences and journals, Vlad is involved in several European research projects in the field of eLearning, digital culture, digital entrepreneurship, innovation and tech transfer. He is also an associate professor for UPT. He is also an associate professor for UPT. For 15 years, Vlad has been part of the technical support team of the UPT Virtual Campus (Moodle). Since 2020, Vlad has served as a member of EDEN’s NAP (Network of Academics and Professionals), holding the position of Chair of the Steering Committee between 2020-2023. He was an ex-officio member of the Executive Board of EDEN UK from 2020-2022, then being elected as a member of EDEN DLE‘s Management Board from 2022. In these capacities he has been organizing several workshops, webinars, and participating as a speaker or moderator in EDEN events. Vlad was also the director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at UPT (2021-2024) and is currently serving as the Vice-President of the UPT Senate.

Keynote speech: Digital Pathways to Empowerment: Fostering Future Skills Through Microlearning and MOOC Platforms

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, education must adapt to equip learners with future-ready skills. This presentation will explore how digital education platforms can empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups by providing flexible, accessible, and scalable learning opportunities.
We’ll discuss the critical role of microlearning—delivering bite-sized, targeted content to foster continuous skill development—and its potential to meet diverse learning needs. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) will be examined as key tools for democratizing education, enabling global collaboration, and expanding entrepreneurial and innovation opportunities. The presentation will highlight how these digital pathways can be tailored to support lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling across various socio-economic contexts.
Additionally, we’ll explore the role of emerging technologies like AI in enhancing personalized learning and content delivery, making education more inclusive and learner-centric. Practical strategies, case studies, and best practices from international cooperation initiatives will be shared to showcase the transformative impact of digital learning

Zoltán Loboda

Educational consultant, Educational Development Ltd., Hungary

 

 He is a senior expert and consultatnt in education policy, digital transformation and strategic planning, with more than two decades of experience in national and European contexts. He currently works as a professional lead and consultant for large-scale digital competence development projects in Hungary, supporting strategic design and implementation aligned with the European DigComp framework.
As a former head of the Digital Competence Division at the Digital Success Nonprofit Ltd., he took aprt in the implementation of Hungary’s digital education strategies. His policy work included developing digital maturity assessment tools, supporting institutional digitalisation, and contributing to the creation of a national-level framework and quality assurance systems for digital competence development.
He has played a expert role in various Erasmus+ and other international projects, From 2012 to 2017, he led the International Department of the Hungarian Educational Authority, coordinating national qualifications framework and lifelong learning strategies. Earlier, he held senior positions at the Ministry of Education, directing EU affairs and representing Hungary in education-related international organisations. He was a member of the OECD Education Policy Committee and in the EU Education Committee for several years. As Chair of the ASEM Lifelong Learning Hub Advisory Board, he contributed to interregional policy dialogue on lifelong learning. He chaired the EU Education Committee during Hungary’s 2011 presidency.
Beyond policy development, he has been actively engaged in professional training, delivering EU policy and strategic planning courses for public officials, educators, and higher education stakeholders.
He holds a degree in history and literature, as well as postgraduate studies in sociology. In 2015, he received the Ágoston Trefort Award in recognition of his contributions to higher education development.
 
Keynote speech:  Can AI Buy Equity? Unlocking the promise of reframing inclusion through personalised learning and lifelong learning pathways in a new learning ecosystem.
The narrative of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and learning holds the potential to reshape the promises of equity by enhancing personalisation, efficiency, and effectiveness of learning process. The keynote explores what is needed to unlock this promise, particularly for youth, women, and other structurally disadvantaged groups.
The presentation begins with a critical review of current AI narratives in education, which often present AI as a solution for optimizing learning. However, such discourses tend to overlook the complexity of inclusion. It is not merely about access or digital infrastructure, but about learners‘ dispositions, competences, empowerment, learning recognition and participation  fully in digital learning ecosystems. These dimensions interact with labour market opportunities to produce positive inclusive impact.
Reframing inclusion involves a shift towards systemic change that recognises the interdependence of tools, actors and structures. Using key EU policy frameworks, guidelines, and strategic opportunity windows, the keynote offers an evidence-based, policy-informed perspective on how AI can support inclusive learning. It presents selected tools, frameworks, and guidance that support more relevant, responsive, and relational learning.
Special attention is given to how micro-credentials, digital recognition, and blockchain technologies can support lifelong learning pathways. These systems enable flexible and modular learning journeys across different contexts, provided they are supported by trust frameworks and quality standards.
The keynote concludes by outlining the contours of a new learning ecosystem, shaped by new actors (edtech providers, AI developers, credentialing bodies), evolving roles traditional players, and networks of interdependence. In such an ecosystem, equity is not a by-product of innovation but its deliberate and measurable goal. AI alone cannot ‘buy’ equity — but when used thoughtfully, it can help build inclusive, flexible, and fair learning systems that meet the needs of diverse learners.