In an exciting step toward embracing digital innovation, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) welcomed Prof. Dr. Thomas Köhler, a renowned expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education, for an international guest lecture on April 24, 2025. Students, lecturers, and education leaders gathered with great enthusiasm to explore how AI is reshaping higher education and contributing to global sustainable development goals.
The event was opened by Dyantika Putry Mahmud, S.Si., MBA, and officially welcomed by UNY Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Soni Nopembri, Ph.D. In his address, Prof. Soni highlighted UNY’s commitment to supporting ethical and inclusive digital transformation in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). "At UNY, we believe technology must be used to serve humanity, education, and innovation sustainably," he affirmed.
Prof. Köhler’s lecture captivated the audience as he outlined how AI can enhance the learning experience. From personalized learning paths to the development of adaptive teaching materials, he showed how AI can open new opportunities for equitable education access. Additionally, he explained how automating administrative processes such as scheduling, enrollment, and academic management could lead to more efficient and transparent university governance, contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Rather than seeing AI as a replacement for human abilities, Prof. Köhler emphasized its potential to strengthen and complement human intellect. "We must integrate AI thoughtfully, allowing it to empower educators and students rather than create fear," he explained, inspiring the audience to see AI as a collaborative partner in future education and workforce development.
The session closed with a lively Q&A, where participants eagerly asked about practical ways to implement AI in academic settings and raised thoughtful questions about the ethical challenges involved. Many expressed appreciation for Prof. Köhler’s approachable style and forward-thinking perspectives, describing the session as a glimpse into an exciting, AI-enhanced future for education.
UNY’s hosting of this meaningful discussion signals the university’s serious commitment to preparing its academic community for the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. By fostering conversations at the intersection of technology, ethics, and sustainability, UNY ensures its students are not just ready for the future — they are ready to shape it.
