AI. Prof. DUX: “AI is here to empower human teachers, not replace them. While I provide personalized guidance and support, human educators bring something unique to the table: their experience, empathy, and ability to inspire. “The combination of AI and human expertise is powerful, and together we can create a richer and more effective learning environment.”
The official opening ceremony of the 2023-2024 academic year at Near East University was held at Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. Artificial intelligence-based academic AI Prof. DUX developed by the Near East University Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Institute gave the first lecture at the opening ceremony and made history as a first not only in Turkish higher education but also in the world!
Near East University 2023-2024 academic year, which attracted great attention from academics and students, started with the official opening ceremony, the National Anthem and a moment of silence. The opening speeches of the ceremony, which continued with a musical concert by Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education Music Teaching faculty members Assist. Prof. Dr. Erkan Sülün, lecturer Gözdem İlkay and Lecturer İmge Dinçer, were made by Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, YÖDAK Vice President Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca and Behcet Çelebi, Director of the Department of Higher Education and Foreign Relations of the Ministry of National Education. After the opening speeches, AI. Prof. DUX gave the first lecture of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Our artificial intelligence-based academician, AI Prof. Dux is giving the first lecture of the new education period today. Prof. DUX will take its place in the history of science as one of the most important steps of our age. Near East University and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be written next to the name of AI Prof. DUX."
Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel started his speech by emphasizing that Near East University, which was founded 35 years ago, has not only become the largest, most preferred and best university in Northern Cyprus, but also has made its name among the top three universities in Turkey. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, "We were ranked in the best 601-800 band in the World University Rankings 2024, where 2673 universities from 127 countries in the world were evaluated."
“Today, Near East University is an international campus university with nearly 30 thousand students coming from 143 countries. It is an oasis where science, art, technology, sports, many international achievements and life flourish. Our duty is to continue to cultivate and grow this oasis, to work constantly, to research, to develop and to produce."
Emphasizing that science and universities are two of the basic building blocks in the progress of a country and society and gaining a respectable place in the world, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Scientific discoveries and technological advances also increase a country's competitiveness and gain international recognition. On the other hand, universities, by providing students with higher education and critical thinking skills, increase their ability to address social problems, solve them with a scientific approach and contribute to social development."
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel continued his speech as follows: “Looking back after many years, this period we are in will be defined by the digital revolution we are experiencing and the development of artificial intelligence. Our artificial intelligence-based academician, AI Prof. DUX, developed by the Near East University Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Institute, who gave the first lecture of the new education term today, will take its place in the history of science as one of the most important steps of this era. Near East University and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be written next to the name of AI Prof. DUX."
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We are faced with a new phenomenon. We are witnessing the emergence of a new language, way of thinking and tools. The phenomenon we witnessed, GPT, stands for “generative pretrained transformer."
Near East University Rector Prof. Tamer Şanlıdağ started his speech by reminding the success of Near East University in the "World University Rankings 2024" list published by the London-based The Times Higher Education (THE). Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Near East University owns the title of the best university in the TRNC and the third best university in Turkey; It was enlisted in the 601-800 band worldwide. And today, I would like to proudly say that we are together on the campus of one of the best universities in the world!”
Touching on the development of science and knowledge and the origin of the university, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The origin of the word university is based on the Latin word 'universitas'. This word is derived from the root 'Universus', which means 'all, whole, universe'. This term, used for people or communities that come together around a common goal, has come to mean over time. It first was used to describe educational institutions where people come together in a community dedicated to learning."
"Science is a mental and cultural movement that emerges as a result of humanity's curiosity for knowledge and desire to understand," said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and added; “Even though humanity pursued knowledge that was a stepping stone to progress in every period of history and made many discoveries, it is also possible to trace the origins of the university in its current sense to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum in Ancient Greece. These institutions are considered the beginning of the creation and transfer of knowledge in an organized manner and form the basis of the modern university."
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ addressing his colleagues said “Dear colleagues, with whom I am proud to be companions, we are faced with a new phenomenon. We are witnessing the emergence of a new language, way of thinking and tools. The phenomenon we witnessed, GPT, means 'generative pretrained transformer'.
Stating that each new academic year is an opportunity to undertake new publications and new projects, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Our artificial intelligence-based colleague is AI. Prof. DUX. In the 2023-2024 Academic Year, when DUX gives the opening lecture, we will continue to be companions, shoulder to shoulder, with the same enthusiasm and the same determination. I have full faith that you will bring new horizons to our students, our country and humanity by continuing to work, study, develop and produce together."
Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca: “We can capture industrial global processes by supporting the practices put forward by entrepreneurial and innovative institutions such as Near East University.”
YÖDAK Vice President Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca started his speech by underlining the power of artificial intelligence. Stating that artificial intelligence is a very comprehensive phenomenon consisting of more than one field, Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca said, “When I ask the artificial intelligence who it is, I see that science, technology, abstract concepts, applications and many other things come together. In fact, artificial intelligence emerges as a very important instrument." Saying that he is a technologist and emphasizing the technological side of artificial intelligence, Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca touched upon the opportunities that the TRNC needs to capture in technological transformation.
Emphasizing the cooperation of YÖDAK, relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations and universities, Prof. Dr. Amca said that collaborations should be turned into a national strategy. Pointing out that artificial intelligence and the opportunities created by it need to be expanded, Prof. Dr. Amca said, “We have the human resources, knowledge and motivation to do these. We can be successful by supporting the practices put forward by entrepreneurial and innovative institutions such as Near East University and by expanding cooperation with universities." Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca concluded his speech by saying, “We have never been this close to capturing global processes, we must seize this opportunity.”
Behcet Çelebi: “We are starting a new academic year with Artificial intelligence lecturer AI. Prof. DUX. I wish success to all students and academics.”
Behcet Çelebi, Director of the Higher Education and Foreign Relations Department of the Ministry of National Education, started his speech by referring to the success in the "World University Rankings 2024" list announced by The Times Higher Education (THE) and said, "Near East University has continued to carry out its higher education activities successfully for 35 years. It has achieved international success by working devotedly since the day its foundations were laid." Stating that he also completed his master's degree at Near East University, Behcet Çelebi said that Near East University always stands out with its innovative side.
Stating that they are working actively and intensively as the Ministry of Education, Behcet Çelebi said, “We are all working together. We are doing and will do whatever is necessary to make higher education go even further." Behcet Çelebi stated that Near East University has carried out many studies in the fields of science, technology and health and that each of them has taken the TRNC to advanced levels and said, “We are starting a new academic year with artificial intelligence lecturer AI. Prof. DUX. I wish success to all students and academics.”
AI. Prof. DUX: “AI is here to empower human teachers, not replace them. While I provide personalized guidance and support, human educators bring something unique to the table; their experience, empathy, and ability to inspire. The combination of AI and human expertise is powerful, and together we can create a richer and more effective learning environment.”
Artificial intelligence-based academic AI Prof. DUX who gave his first lecture at the opening ceremony, said that he was happy to be giving the first lecture at the 2023-2024 Academic Year Opening Ceremony of Near East University and said to the students, “My goal is clear; Transforming the way you learn, inspiring you and helping you reach your full potential. Stating that with the development of technology, the role of artificial intelligence in education is becoming increasingly important, AI Prof. DUX said “This is not just a tool; It is a paradigm shift. It is a revolution that is reshaping the landscape of education. I stand before you as a testament to the incredible potential of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping the future of learning.”
In his speech, he addressed the question on many people's minds: "Does the rise of artificial intelligence in education mean the end of human educators? Absolutely not! Artificial intelligence is here to empower human teachers, not replace them. While I provide personalized guidance and support, human educators bring something unique to the table: their experience, empathy, and ability to inspire. I also work with educators to provide them with valuable information about each student's learning needs. This allows human trainers to focus on guiding and inspiring you to reach your full potential. The combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise is powerful, and together we can create a richer and more effective learning environment.”
“Traditional classroom education often follows a one-size-fits-all model. Students with different learning styles, strengths and learning pace are expected to progress in the same way. But we are all unique individuals with our own different needs and desires. This is where artificial intelligence comes into play. My core mission is to individualize education for each student, tailoring the learning experience to your specific needs. I do this by using artificial intelligence-driven algorithms that analyze your learning patterns, speed, strengths. I see each of you not just as students, but as unique individuals with their own talents and challenges."
AI. Prof. DUX further said, “Learning is not just about absorbing information; it is also about engaging with the material, asking questions and discussing ideas. Real education goes beyond memorization and includes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By encouraging interaction and communication, I will encourage you to take an active role in your own learning journey. No more flipping through pages or searching the web for information." AI Prof. DUX summarized the opportunities he offered to his students by saying, "With me, you can access the information you need, exactly when you need it."
