On February 19, 2024, the educational conference titled "Artificial Intelligence: Tools and Applications in Preschool Education" was held at the Eugenides Foundation. As part of the event, Professor Zacharoula Smyrnaiou, from the Department of Secondary Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and Vice President of CTI "Diophantus", delivered a keynote speech titled "Innovation Centers: Redefining Learning for the Future."
Her presentation focused on the creation and operation of Innovation Centers, a new initiative aimed at transforming the educational landscape. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, these centers aspire to introduce new learning models, enhance students' digital skills, and offer experiential, interactive learning opportunities across all educational levels.
Professor Smyrnaiou elaborated on the design of the Innovation Centers, which are set to be established in the 13 Regional Education Directorates across the country. She highlighted their role as laboratories for research, experimentation, and collaboration among students, educators, and expert scientists. Additionally, she presented innovative educational tools, explored the use of artificial intelligence in teaching, and discussed the prospects of future educational systems.
The presentation served as a reference point for discussions on the digital transformation of education, as the Innovation Centers align with European strategies and are supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Professor Smyrnaiou’s speech underscored the importance of Innovation Centers as key hubs for learning innovation and the development of 21st-century skills, offering valuable insights into the future evolution of education in Greece.