Successful Training on AI and Education for Fulbright ETAs at RIT Kosovo

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) in partnership with American Councils Kosovo, as the administrator of the United States – Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) hosted the training program titled "AI and Education for English Teaching Assistants (ETAs)" on December 6, 2024. This event brought together 17 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) from Kosovo and the Western Balkans region, providing them with tools and insights to integrate AI into their teaching practices.

The dynamic one-day training program aimed to empower educators with AI-driven strategies to enhance student engagement, foster critical thinking, and personalize learning experiences.

The training began with welcome remarks from Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), who emphasized the institution’s commitment to innovation and its role in preparing educators to meet future educational challenges.

Kelsey DeRinaldis, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy Pristina, followed by underscoring the importance of integrating technology into education to align with global standards.

Nora Nimani Musa, USKEB Program Coordinator, highlighted the transformative power of AI in enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes across classrooms.

To conclude the opening session, Dr. Mimoza Polloshka, Assistant Professor and Head of the Faculty Development Center, welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of the training in shaping the future of education.

Participants experienced a blended approach of in-person and online sessions led by faculty from RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York.

Key sessions included:

Introduction to AI and Machine Learning, Generative AI Tools for Educators by Dr. Blerta Prevalla Etemi
Critical Thinking and AI in Education by Dr. Jennifer Schneider
Ethical Considerations for AI in Education by Dr. Linda Ziberi

The program provided participants with practical skills to incorporate AI tools into their classrooms effectively. It also addressed critical ethical considerations, including issues of bias, equity, and privacy, ensuring that AI adoption aligns with responsible teaching practices.

This training made possible by funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), marks a significant milestone in promoting regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators. By equipping ETAs with cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies, the program not only enhances their professional growth but also empowers them to foster innovative and inclusive learning environments for students across the Western Balkans. RIT Kosovo remains committed to supporting similar initiatives that bridge technology and education to drive positive change.

About RIT Kosovo (A.U.K):

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is a leading institution in the region, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As the only private, non-profit higher education institution in Kosovo, it offers an American-style education in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Through initiatives like the AI and Education training, RIT Kosovo continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education by equipping educators and students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

About United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB):

The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) is a non-legal advisory board, founded for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding and advancing relations between the people of the United States and Kosovo through educational exchange programming.

The USKEB was formed to advise and assist in prioritizing resources and setting priorities for the United States-Kosovo educational exchange programming, including the Fulbright program for Kosovo, and is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, and Kosovo’s Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. USKEB is implemented by American Councils for International Education.