Barbara Oakley, professor of engineering at Oakland University, recognized for her pioneering research in deep thinking and creative problem-solving skills, was invited to speak at the international conference “CONNECTED 2024: Reimagining the Future” in Astana. The two-day forum brought together delegates from over 20 countries, including more than 100 prominent scholars and representatives of leading universities worldwide.
During her stay in Kazakhstan, Professor Oakley also delivered a lecture to the NU students and faculty. The lecture was organized by the NU Center for Innovation in Learning and Teaching with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Coursera, and BMG Up Skill. It is not robots but people using artificial intelligence (AI) who will replace those who do not utilize generative AI, which scientist believes to be the most revolutionary development in human history. The author of A Mind for Numbers and co-creator of the popular Coursera course Learning How to Learn, Oakley emphasized the significance of generative AI and shared insights on its effective use in education.
“I think it is important that we teach our children about how to use some of these technologies. They can google things without even thinking about it. But we want our kids to use chat GPT and other engines creatively without even having to be taught necessarily, and we also want to have limits. I recommend a book by Jonathan Haidt On the dangers of social media for kids. Limiting or restricting social media is quite valuable, so teaching by chat GPT is one thing, but social media usage is something we do need to be worried about,” she noted.
Responding to questions from the audience, Professor Oakley explained the importance of metaphors in learning complex disciplines and concepts and the power of repetition and recital in developing long-term memory. At the “CONNECTED 2024: Reimagining the Future” conference, Professor Oakley participated in a panel discussion on nurturing the next generation of talent and using generative AI to enhance and accelerate learning.
Other forum participants, including presidents, provosts, and professors from universities and research organizations, also visited NU. Around 70 university representatives from 19 countries were invited to the meeting. NU leaders welcomed the delegates, discussed the university’s role in advancing higher education and science in the country, shared information about its schools, and answered questions. The delegation also visited the NU library, the Athletic Center, and laboratories such as the i-NURA pulsed accelerator and advanced nanomaterials facilities.
