FIET is a meeting space where leading professionals and researchers in the field of digital technology in education come together to analyse the current landscape and propose joint initiatives. This year’s edition focused on knowledge construction in the age of artificial intelligence and the educational uses of digital technologies.
To explore this topic in greater depth, UIC Barcelona lecturer and researcher Maria Domingo-Coscollola took part as a member of the scientific committee, delivering a presentation aligned with her research on university student use of digital technologies and educational transformation.
In the article published in the Revista de Investigación Educativa, titled “The challenge of teaching and learning at university: Student perception of the use of digital technologies”, Domingo led a study analysing responses from 50 students from Catalan universities and the University of the Basque Country. Following four meetings with each participant, the article outlines both the opportunities and limitations that digital technologies present for university students.
The study highlights student concerns about their dependence on technology, its distracting nature, and the difficulties it poses for maintaining concentration.
In response to these findings, researcher Maria Domingo emphasised the importance of university teaching staff gaining a deeper understanding of their students’ lives. “We must take into account the needs and challenges posed by a society that is changing at an unprecedented pace,” she explained.
However, students also recognise the benefits of digital technologies in supporting their learning, particularly as a complement to university teaching. For example, they value social media tutorials that help them better understand classroom content. However, Maria Domingo clarified their role: “Digital technologies alone do not facilitate the shift towards student-centred pedagogical approaches, nor do they guarantee autonomous, active, social or critical learning,” she stressed.
In a context where students increasingly turn to digital platforms such as YouTube tutorials or professionals outside the university system for academic support, the researcher believes that in-person universities must harness these technologies to develop effective teaching and learning strategies. “Universities must offer a student-centred approach, helping learners find meaning in attending classes,” she added.
Against this backdrop, FIET addressed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, in education. Discussions included how AI tools can support personalised learning, foster creativity, and generate new ways of thinking and learning. Emphasis was also put on not depending completely on algorithms. “Teaching judgement, pedagogical supervision, and ongoing efforts in education, research and innovation in educational technology remain essential,” said the UIC Barcelona lecturer.
The researcher also recalled how the pandemic accelerated the transition to virtual education, though she generally described it as a “technological” rather than a “pedagogical” solution. “There was little emphasis on support and care during the learning process as an emotional experience,” reflected Maria Domingo.
The opening session of FIET 2025 focused on the more effective integration of new technologies in and for learning.
