Summary
At the 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), CMU-Q faculty members Khaled Harras and Jennifer Bruder led discussions on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human values, and education policy. Additionally, the university hosted a MindCraft workshop, CMU-Q’s signature computer science high school outreach program.
Faculty and researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) contributed their deep expertise in artificial intelligence and education at the recent 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE). Held under the theme “Humanity.io: Human values at the heart of education,” WISE 12 explored the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential. Global leaders and innovators gathered to discuss how education systems can adapt to the AI era while ensuring that technology serves to amplify, rather than replace, essential human values.
Khaled Harras, senior associate dean for faculty at CMU-Q, brought a critical computer science perspective to the panel discussion titled, “Truth, Trust, and Technology: Future of Knowledge.”
Addressing the complexities of information in the age of generative AI, Harras cautioned against an over-reliance on tools at the expense of fundamental human cognition.
Jennifer Bruder, associate dean of research, represented CMU-Q in a high-level discussion focusing on the future of education policy in Qatar, specifically how to balance innovation, culture, and sustainability.
Bruder explored how educational frameworks can integrate cutting-edge innovation while preserving local cultural identity and promoting sustainable human development.
CMU-Q also demonstrated its hands-on approach to education through MindCraft, the university’s signature computer science outreach program.
MindCraft hosted a workshop to engage participants in practical exercises that demystify computer science and introduce the core concepts of computational thinking, a skillset CMU-Q identifies as essential for students to transition from being passive consumers of technology to active problem-solvers.
MindCraft is part of the Hamad Bin Jassim Center for Computer Science Education, a collaboration between CMU-Q and the Jassim and Hamad Bin Jassim Charitable Foundation. Since its inception, 20,000 students in Qatar have participated in MindCraft workshops, camps, or events.
