On October 11, 2024, over 100 engaged participants came together at the Seminarhaus on Westend Campus to collaboratively explore the topic of Generative AI as part of a BarCamp event. This time, students, teachers, and staff from support structures were invited. In this way, the event served as an ideal platform to build upon and further refine the ideas collected during the student-focused kick-off event held in May.
The BarCamp format proved to be highly dynamic: participants—referred to as ‘contributors’ in the BarCamp context—had the freedom to propose their own sessions and actively shape the program. The topics and discussions were wide-ranging and enriched by the active participation of the attendees.
What made the event especially engaging were the discussions, spanning from hands-on approaches to applying generative AI to deeper ethical reflections on its use in academic contexts. The event was enriched by the support of the Tech Academy, whose sessions offered forward-looking insights into emerging technologies.
The event not only provided the opportunity for intensive professional exchange but also numerous opportunities for networking. Many used the breaks and informal conversations to make new contacts and deepen existing networks. One of the sessions was dedicated to the founding of a new ‘Community of Practice’ intended to promote sustained dialogue on generative AI within the university, extending beyond the event and bridging all status groups. We warmly welcome anyone interested to join our community. Those interested in participating are invited to leave their contact details via this registration form. We look forward to reconnecting at the first community meeting in the near future.
We are thrilled by the active participation and engagement of all “participants”. We look forward to the upcoming meetings and to further deepening the discussions and ideas and jointly shaping the future of generative AI at Goethe University.
For those who have become curious or would like to review: The program and documentation of the sessions are still available.
Thank you very much and see you next time, your Working Group: Generative AI.
