On February 6th, AUAF organized a compelling hybrid debate competition between the AUAF Speakers Club and the AUAF Debate Club. This debate session was conducted by the SGA, AUAF Speakers Club, and AUAF Debate Club. Centered on the motion of the advantages and disadvantages of online education, the event was kicked off by the SGA President, who outlined the rules and set the tone for the discourse.
The AUAF Speakers Club passionately advocated for the benefits of online education, citing its accessibility, flexibility, and capacity to provide high-quality learning experiences. They emphasized its role in fostering a global learning community, promoting technical skills, and supporting environmentally friendly practices, ultimately securing victory in the debate.
Hasina from the Speakers Club, expressed her thoughts about the online education: “In terms of getting education, online learning emerges as a dynamic force, redefining how we acquire knowledge and skills. As we navigate through the digital age, the advantages of online education not only enhance accessibility but also revolutionize the way we approach learning.”
On the opposing side, the AUAF Debate Club articulated concerns regarding the drawbacks of online education, drawing from personal experiences and observations. Issues such as social isolation, lack of immediate feedback, and challenges in maintaining motivation and engagement were highlighted. Additionally, they underscored the advantages of in-person education, including increased interaction, timely feedback, and a sense of community and collaboration fostered through face-to-face encounters.
“Without in-person instruction, students will struggle to receive immediate feedback and clarification which would hinder their understanding of complex concepts.”
“The virtual nature of e-learning decreases the possibility of forming meaningful relationships between students and instructors to easily ask for their support and guidance in different situations.”, said Farhat.
After a lively debate, the judges announced the results, declaring the AUAF Speakers Club as the victors. The decision was based on the depth of their insights and the comprehensive nature of their presentation, as acknowledged by the judging panel. Members from both clubs, were awarded for recognizing their valuable contributions to the enriching debate experience.
Overall, the event provided a platform for robust discourse and unity among its participants. With 20 engaged individuals exchanging ideas in a hybrid format, the event exemplified AUAF’s commitment to fostering intellectual dialogue and community engagement.
As AUAF continues to navigate the evolving landscape of education, such events serve as invaluable opportunities for students to explore pressing issues and advocate for meaningful change, which is also supported by Qatar Fund for Development
The event commenced with a profound exploration of generative AI, notably the emergence of Chat GPT in November 2022, a groundbreaking application discussed by Mr. Gajre. The presentation unfolded with insightful definitions, explaining artificial intelligence and generative AI while delving into machine learning, deep learning, and AGI.
A key focus of the event was on the capabilities of Chat GPT, exemplified through its proficiency in handling vast amounts of internet data, prompting awe-inspiring performances on various exams. Furthermore, Professor Gajre touched upon the ethical considerations of AI use in classrooms, outlining policies and guidelines for responsible utilization.
The session concluded with Mr. Gajre’s insights into the classroom application of GPT models, providing academic recommendations and policies for students. As the event concluded, students expressed keen interest in learning the capabilities of AI in the academic pursuit.