Elias Zerhouni at USTHB: Integrating AI while safeguarding student autonomy

Addressing an audience at the Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology, Professor Elias Zerhouni highlighted that embedding artificial intelligence into higher education necessitates a transformation of teaching methods without compromising student critical thinking. Zerhouni advocated for personalized learning and suggested initiating AI integration within universities as a pilot phase. He warned that AI should support, not replace, human reasoning, requiring constant verification of results. USTHB Rector Djamal Eddine Akretche emphasized the urgent need to modernize pedagogical practices for the digital era. Furthermore, Zerhouni announced a doctoral program for 20 researchers, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and bridging the gap between researchers in Algeria and those living abroad through the Tives center.