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SLATE kicked off the semester at idyllic Herdla, Biologen, with a two day workshop. The program reflected SLATE's profile as the national center on Learning Analytics and the expertise it offers on AI and Education.

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The seminar was partically funded by the award of  the UiB Working Environment prize 2022, an honour that was awarded to the Leadership group comprised of Barbara Wasson, Jorunn Viken, and Ingunn Johanne Ness. Thus, the program also involved social team building activities and work place development sessions.

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The highlight of the first morning came when Director Barbara Wasson gave a keynote on Learning Analytics (LA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education. Barbara's insights left all with a newfound appreciation for the role we play in shaping the future of education?

The seiminar wasn not all about technology and education. Following the keynote an interactive session where SLATE colleagues were divided into four groups and tasked with envisioning and articulating their dream workplace took place. The room buzzed with creativity as ideas flowed freely.

After a nice lunch, the afternoon session commenced with Senior Researcher Ingunn Johanne Ness and Postdoc Raquel Coelho taking the stage. Their presentations on new AI in education projects were inspirational and a reminder of the collective capability to make a real impact in the field of education.

When the formal program for the day was over, it was time for an outdoor team activity. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as everyone engaged in different activities, such as frisbee golf, bird watching, and even a photo competition where the challenge was to capture a photo reflecting SLATE´s values. This was also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that make SLATE workplace special.

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During dinner the conversations continued over a tasty meal and a fun game where we got to know each other better.

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On day two visiting Professor Paul Prinsloo, University of South Africa, gave a thought provocative keynote (given at the EC-TEL conference in Portugal as well) where he reflected on Knowledge, Knowing and Coming-to-Know in an Age of Generative AI.

All agreed that the new semester was now properly kicked off and that important tasks await the centre. It was also clear that the Working Environment Prize is not just a plaque on the wall at SLATE; it is a recognition of the unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where everybody thrives, ideas flourish, and excellence is a goal.

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