The Athens Institute
A World Association of Academics and Researchers: Promoting Global Education & Research
1995-2025: 30 Years of Bringing Academics and Scholars together in Athens
A Round-Table Discussion on “The Future of Sciences and Engineering Education”
Monday 22 July 2024, at The Athens Institute’s Downtown Office
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Round-Table Discussion on “The Future of Sciences and Engineering Education” organized by The Athens Institute. The event took place on Monday, 22 July 2024 at the Athens Institute’s Downtown Office, located at 9 Chalkokondili Street, Athens. The program is available at: www.atiner.gr/events/22July2024.pdf
The discussion began with a welcome by Dr. Gregory T. Papanikos, President of the Athens Institute, who also served as the moderator for the event. Following his introduction, the discussion featured a lineup of invited speakers and interventions from distinguished academics across
the globe. The event included Nikos J. Mourtos from San Jose State University, USA, who addressed the dual nature of AI in education under the topic “AI In Science and Engineering Education: Friend or Foe?” Subramaniam Balakrishnan, Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, Canada, shared insights on the “Challenges In Providing Hands-on Experience in Teaching Automation in a Mechanical Engineering Program.” Towfic Shomar, from the University of Jordan and CPNSS–LSE, UK, discussed “AI and Science: Getting Humans Back to the Picture,” focusing on the essential human aspects in scientific education amidst AI advancements. Nikolaos Dimakis from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA, spoke on “The Future of Online Education in Engineering and STEM,” highlighting the impact of digital learning on these fields. Edvard Kokanyan, Head of the Chair of Physics at the Armenian State Pedagogical University, explored “Some Features of Studying at a Pedagogical (Teacher Training) University,” focusing on the unique challenges in physics education. Lastly, Adrian Ionescu from Wagner College, USA, delved into “The Future of Programming in Computer Science Education,” considering the implications of technological changes on curriculum development.
We were also honored to have several notable interventions from experts in the field. Willis Walter, Dean, College of Education, Virginia State University, USA, Bala Maheswaran, Professor, Northeastern University, USA, Lakshmi Sankar, Regents Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, Steve Dunton, Lecturer, California Polytechnic State University, USA, Alexander Zestos, Associate Professor, American University, USA, Sanaa Sabour Alaoui, Professor, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Morocco and Adam Gadomski, Professor, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Poland provided their valuable perspectives and insights.