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Under the title 'Next Level Learning – Understanding AI, Shaping Learning', the CATALPA research centre at the LUTZ Youth Theatre in Hagen organised a vibrant programme aimed at young people and the urban community. At its heart were four entertaining presentations, known as 'slams', in which four young scientists humorously and ironically shared insights into their research.

The slams focused on:

• Learning with AI, and why artificial intelligence should not be used as a 'wish genie' or 'geniePT', but rather as a 'learning GPT' or 'learning coach'. Video of Daiana's complete slam (German only).
• The second slam covered mental load, the numerous thoughts we have every day about everyday tasks and errands, and why women are particularly affected by this. Video of Natalis's complete slam (German only).
• Prosocial behaviour, and when and why we help or don't help other people, and how focusing on commonalities helps to build bridges. Video of Bernhard's complete slam (German only).
• Design fiction, and how the magic of human stories can help to shape education in the future, for example by making stories visible and showing how people feel and think, thus providing food for thought. Video of Florence's complete slam (German only).

Gallery of Futures

The slams were accompanied by various stations in the foyer of the LUTZ Theater where visitors could try out and marvel at AI-related exhibits. Some of these side events were co-organized by young people. At the Hagen Hacker Camp and in a workshop with the Fichte Gymnasium, young people worked together with CATALPA researcher Florence Lehnert on their personal visions for the school of the future. This resulted in AI-generated images that were exhibited in the theater as a “Gallery of Futures.” The results will also be incorporated into Lehnert's research at a later date.

Foto: CATALPA

"Did you know"-Zone

CATALPA research in a nutshell: Visitors could check this out in the “Did you know?!” zone. What kind of knowledge is actually generated at the research center? Contributions like this one showed just that.

AI games

In a game zone, visitors also tested how much they know about AI—for example, what AI temperature means or what LLM stands for—whether they can distinguish AI-generated faces from real ones, and whether they are more creative than Chat GPT.

Next Level Lounge

In addition, numerous visitors took the opportunity to ask researchers questions in a Next Level Lounge. For example, they were interested in how to teach and learn a reflective approach to AI, or whether teachers will still be needed if everything can be “controlled” by AI.

The event was made possible by the cooperation of the CATALPA research center with the LUTZ Theater in Hagen, with the support of the Transfer and Career Office and the Event Management Department of the FernUni.