How is AI changing higher education? Around 300 higher education professionals discussed this question at an international conference in Breda. FHWien der WKW contributed two presentations.
Around 300 university lecturers, researchers, and education experts gathered at the international conference “Teaching and Learning with AI in Europe” in Breda, the Netherlands, on October 19–20, 2026, to explore how AI is transforming higher education. FHWien der WKW was represented by two contributions from Simone Zwickl, Academic Expert & Lecturer in Strategic Communication Management, and Ilona Pezenka, Head of Competence Team City of Vienna Competence Team Master Propaedeutics – Bridging courses in Research Skills & Methods.
The conference, held in Europe for the first time, was organized by Breda University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Key topics included the practical application of AI in higher education, innovative teaching approaches, and questions surrounding student assessment, academic integrity, and the responsible use of AI. In addition to expert presentations, the conference provided opportunities for interactive discussions and international knowledge sharing.
Assessment in the Age of AI
In her presentation, “Exam Settings at the Age of AI Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy Model,” Simone Zwickl explored how assessment formats can be designed in the era of generative AI. The underlying research question was developed by a working group at FHWien der WKW. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, she demonstrated how different cognitive learning objectives can be taken into account when designing contemporary assessment formats, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of AI.
AI Tutors Support Students in Academic Research and Writing
Ilona Pezenka presented the poster “AI Tutors in Thesis Supervision: A Socratic Approach to Research Skills Development.” Her contribution introduced six AI tutors developed as part of the “Bridging courses in Research Skills & Methods” project, funded by the City of Vienna (MA 23). These tutors support students throughout various stages of the academic research process – from identifying a research topic and conducting a literature review to selecting appropriate research methods. At the heart of the project is a Socratic approach: Rather than providing ready-made answers, the AI tutors use targeted questions and feedback to encourage students to develop their own critical thinking and independent research skills.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to showcase innovative approaches developed at FHWien der WKW to an international audience of experts, exchange experiences, and gain fresh insights into the use of AI in higher education.