On November 13, at the Center for Innovative Educational Technologies “PNU EcoSystem”, Professor Tetiana Kachak held the Oxford Debates “Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Applications, IT in the Educational Process: Advantages and Disadvantages”. The participants were 3rd year students majoring in Secondary Education (English Language and Literature) and 4th year students majoring in Primary Education, who studied the elective course “Academic Rhetoric”.
Both teams (Proposal and Opposition) convincingly argued their views on the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in education. A lively discussion between the participants and the audience followed the keynote speeches. As the audience’s speeches and voting showed, the opposition’s arguments were more convincing. At the end of the event, the debate chairman summed up the results. He thanked all the participants for their activity and high level of rhetorical culture, critical thinking, ability to discuss and argue their opinions, and skillfully use logos, ethos, pathos, and the laws of rhetoric. According to Associate Professor Ihor Romanyshyn, the Guarantor of the Secondary Education (English Language and Literature) program, Oxford Debates were held for the first time at the Faculty of Foreign Languages. This initiative is an excellent practice that enhances students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies and demonstrates the quality of learning and teaching in elective educational components. Associate Professor Kateryna Fomin from the Center also highlighted the significance of academic discussions in fostering communicative culture and interaction among students. The participating students expressed their positive emotions and impressions from the experience.