The 17th International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI2024) took place in Seville, Spain, from November 11 to 13, 2024, setting a global stage for innovative dialogues and forward-thinking ideas in the field of education. Among the conference’s highlights was the notable presentation of “AI4EDU: Enhancing Educational Chatbots with Retrieval-Augmented Generation Systems” by Hamam Mokayed, Associate Professor at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and a PMP-certified professional.

At the heart of Mokayed’s presentation was AI4EDU, a groundbreaking project aimed at harnessing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems to significantly improve the performance and utility of educational chatbots. These innovations mark a departure from standard chatbot design, offering a vision for how AI can foster more dynamic and supportive learning environments.

Mokayed underscored that AI4EDU’s success relies on strong, multifaceted collaboration. Teachers, educational institutions, and AI experts have played a pivotal role in guiding the project’s development. Partnerships with Boden Kommun and Björknäsgymnasiet allowed the team to test AI4EDU in real-world educational settings, gather valuable feedback, and refine the system for optimal impact.

This collaborative effort has already produced tangible results. Mokayed highlighted case studies demonstrating how AI4EDU’s tools help support diverse learners, increase engagement, and ultimately contribute to more inclusive learning communities. ICERI2024 provided a fitting platform for AI4EDU’s unveiling. The presentation drew attention from an international audience of educators, researchers, and policymakers, sparking enthusiastic discussions about AI’s transformative potential in education. The positive reception of AI4EDU at the conference reaffirms ICERI’s role as a catalyst for innovation. By showcasing cutting-edge initiatives like AI4EDU, ICERI2024 continues to nurture a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange, guiding educators toward a future enriched by AI-driven learning experiences.