Decentralisation and Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Abstract

The educator within a modern higher education institution must be informed and be familiar with the latest knowledge of the scientific field he/she treats, as well as knowledge of the teaching methodology, techniques and tools of the cognitive subject he/she teaches. It is necessary that relevant initiatives are taken not only by educators, but also by tertiary institutions, with the aim of upgrading the pedagogical dimension of the educators’ role, as their training in teaching and learning is crucial, particularly in distance learning environments. The aim of this paper is to showcase the innovative use of emerging technologies in education and the necessity for systematic training of higher education teachers in the evolving context of these technologies. We explore four main areas of innovation in education: Decentralisation and Blockchain in Lifelong Learning, Generative Artificial Intelligence in Distance Education, Personal Learning Environments and University Pedagogy. The new perspectives of these innovation areas are highly dynamic and can potentially transform higher education structures, the content of teaching, the ways and methods of teaching, the assessment methods, as well as the relationships between educators and students.