Faculty of Pedagogy at the University of Tetova, in collaboration with the Macedonian Civic Education Center, today commenced the proceedings of the Special Study Week 2026, which will take place from 26 to 30 October 2026, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization in Education – Opportunities, Challenges, and Innovative Practices”. This traditional event of the Faculty of Pedagogy, organized for the sixth consecutive year, is dedicated this year to the transformative role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the educational process.
Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti, in his address to those present, emphasized that artificial intelligence is changing the way we seek information, work, and learn. According to him, alongside the many opportunities this technology offers, it also raises several fundamental questions: What does it mean to truly understand? How can we cultivate independent thinking? How can we assess knowledge when a fluent and convincing answer can be generated in a matter of seconds? “At the heart of this process remains the human relationship. A teacher who listens to students, encourages them to ask questions, and instills confidence in their own abilities leaves a lasting impact that extends beyond a single lesson. The value of technology in education should also be assessed by the way it supports and enriches this relationship. In this regard, we are working intensively on developing a strategy and regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in teaching. Our aim is to provide teachers and students with clear guidance, support, and a responsible framework for its use”, stated Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti. Furthermore, he encouraged students to use these tools with curiosity and critical judgment. “Seek explanations, verify sources, and take the time necessary to understand what you learn. Do not underestimate your own efforts, because it is precisely through searching, questioning, and confronting difficulties that intellectual maturity develops. Your voice, your ideas, and your integrity give value to the work you do”. With these words, the Vice-Rector for Science at the University of Tetova concluded his address.
Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi, emphasized that the central theme of this edition addresses an issue of particular importance for the future of education. According to him, artificial intelligence and digital technologies are creating new opportunities for teaching and learning, while also presenting challenges that require knowledge, responsibility, and the critical and ethical use of technology. “It is important that future teachers not only become familiar with these technologies but also learn how to use them effectively and responsibly in their teaching practice. The programme of the Special Study Week 2026 combines theoretical knowledge with practical and creative activities. Through today’s lecture and the work to be carried out over the coming days, students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and engage in the development of digital teaching packages, which represent a tangible and useful outcome of this week. Our aim is for our students to become not merely users of technology, but also future teachers who know how to transform it into a valuable tool for improving the quality of teaching and learning”, stated Dean Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi.
Director of the Macedonian Civic Education Center, Mr. Besnik Ramadani, congratulated the organizers on holding this event and expressed his hope that it would continue in the years to come. He emphasized that this was the second consecutive year of cooperation between the Macedonian Civic Education Center and the Faculty of Pedagogy, and expressed his satisfaction with the expansion of this collaboration, particularly through the involvement of the Faculty of Philosophy.
Describing the theme of this edition as highly relevant and timely, Besnik Ramadani underlined that artificial intelligence has already become part of our reality and is widely used, regardless of individual attitudes toward it. He expressed his hope that, throughout the week, students would gain knowledge and practical skills to use artificial intelligence responsibly and put it to good use in their studies.
As part of the opening event, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Prof. Dr. Florim Idrizi, delivered a presentation on artificial intelligence. During his presentation, he explored the ways in which students can make use of this technology, as well as various practices and contemporary methodologies that can contribute to improving the teaching process.
Over the coming days, as part of the Special Study Week 2026, students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of artificial intelligence and digitalization in education, as well as participate in practical and creative activities aimed at developing their digital competencies and preparing them for the challenges of contemporary education.
