La Universidad Austral celebrated a new edition of Innovation Day, the academic and interdisciplinary meeting organized by the Directorate of Educational Innovation (DIE) that brought together professors (undergraduate and postgraduate) to reflect on the challenges of teaching in an era marked by digital culture and the emergence of artificial intelligence.
The opening remarks were delivered by the rector, Julián Rodríguez, who emphasized “the University’s mission to support students in asking essential questions and developing into individuals capable of transforming society.” The central panel—featuring Paola Delbosco and Silvia Figiacone— Laura Marconi invited us to delve deeper into three dimensions that permeate teaching practice: what students need to learn and how they learn it today, the design of educational experiences that promote understanding, and how we maintain a humanistic vision in the construction of knowledge in times of technological acceleration.
One of the most anticipated moments was the presentation of the initiatives recognized in the II Internal Competition for Innovative PracticesThe winning proposal, from Carolina Astoul Bonorino and Stella Maris PieriniIt showed how clinical simulation, independent work, and gamification can transform the learning experience. The other two winning experiences, from teachers of FCE e ICFwhich incorporated real-world case studies, artificial intelligence integration, and formative assessment to strengthen student understanding and autonomy.
We also experienced three very significant recognition moments, including the award given to Alejandro Sureda and the recognition of the FCB, FCEP, and DEIC-FD educational teams for their commitment to teacher training and active participation in DIE initiatives. And, towards the end, the DIE presented the launch of the House of InnovationThis interdisciplinary space will seek to provide resources, showcase best practices, and share results from innovation pilot projects and new lines of pedagogical support and teacher training. In addition, the project to create a digital education magazine to disseminate innovative educational experiences from across the Austral community.
The day concluded with a few words from the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Lourdes Perea Muñozwho encouraged continued promotion of creative, student-centered teaching, open to interdisciplinary exchange and attentive to the possibilities—and limitations—of technology. Innovation Day reaffirmed the enormous potential of the University's teaching community to build a culture of innovation sustained by quality and continuous improvement.
