Experimenting, sharing, and learning together are key factors in harnessing the potential of AI in classrooms during the exchange of ideas between international university professors, entrepreneurs, and the General Director of Industry of the Government of Catalonia, Oriol Alcoba.
The event „AI for Teaching“ held at Esade brought together experts from academia, business, and the public sector to discuss the impact of one of the most disruptive technologies in education today, artificial intelligence (AI). Ethan Mollick, a professor at the Wharton School and a leading voice in AI and education, emphasized the importance of cultivating curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment in order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI in education. He advised, „The world is changing very rapidly. My advice is: use AI for everything. This technology will change the way business schools teach, and the change will soon be palpable.“
Mollick highlighted three key aspects of the content produced by new generative AI models. He pointed out that this content cannot be detected easily, that all internet content from 2023 onwards is influenced by AI, and that AI is a transformative technology with unpredictable outcomes. The international experts invited to the discussion also emphasized the transformative power of AI, each with their own perspectives. Leonardo Caporarello from Bocconi School of Management shared his experience using AI „agents“ to anticipate class discussions, while David Lefevre from Imperial College Business School predicted a gradual integration of AI into university life.
The approach of „experimenting, sharing, and learning“ defines Esade’s response to generative AI, as explained by Mar Vila, Vice Dean of Faculty at Esade Business School. Joan Rodon, Dean of Esade Business School, emphasized the need for flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new ways of teaching. The event, organized by Esade’s Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, included a panel discussion on the impact of AI in the corporate world, featuring executives from companies like CaixaBank and NTT DATA, as well as the General Director of Industry of the Government of Catalonia, Oriol Alcoba.
In conclusion, Xavier Mendoza, General Director of Esade, stressed the importance of curiosity and experimentation in adopting AI, calling it a collective effort. He also highlighted Esade’s commitment to ethical AI and the institution’s mission to educate not only competent professionals but also ethical individuals capable of making a positive impact. The event was part of the „AI for Teaching“ initiative, which will continue with a teacher training program in the coming years, aligning with Esade’s focus on technology in education.
Esade’s pioneering initiatives in AI education, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration & Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence for Business program and collaborations with institutions like the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, demonstrate the institution’s commitment to preparing students for the digital age. By embracing AI and fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration, Esade is shaping the future of education and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.