Day 1: Workshops at the UvA Library

Getting started with Open Educational Resources: peer-to-peer session

How can Open Educational Resources (OERs) contribute to accessible and flexible education? In this session, Linde Voorend and Kees van Gestel (VU) discussed the benefits of (re)using educational materials and how they can help create affordable and up-to-date education.

Attention was also given to the cultural shift needed to better recognize and value educational efforts.

Disinformation: the student as critical professional

In this workshop, led by Harrie van der Meer (UvA/AUAS) and Kim Dibbets (VU), the focus was on fostering a critical approach among students.

Instead of removing information, students should learn to think critically and engage in open debate about what truth is.

Lunch + Demo: The new University Library

During the lunch break, participants were given a presentation on the new University Library of the UvA.

Diverse & Inclusive searches

Stefano Giani (UvA) and Michèle Meijer (VU) discussed how biases in well-known search engines and databases can result in a one-sided selection of publications. Participants were introduced to strategies and alternative platforms to promote a more inclusive search process.

Day 2: Workshops at the VU Library

Getting started with podcasts in your education

How can you effectively integrate podcasts into your teaching? This inspiring session, guided by Erik Boon and Joost Canters (VU), explored the various possibilities.

Object Based Teaching and Learning: feel and smell the future of teaching

Anouk Nuijten (VU) allowed participants to experience how detailed observation and multi-sensory interaction with objects can enhance knowledge transfer.

Discover AI-tools for video and audio

Stephan Eltink (VU Teaching and Learning Centre) provided an overview of the latest AI tools for creating professional content for lectures.

Dag 3: Workshops at the AUAS Library

Beyond ChatGPT: AI tools in literature review

Frans Westgeest (AUAS) and Harrie van der Meer (UvA/UAUAS) demonstrated that there is much more to AI tools than chatbots like ChatGPT and Copilot. Tools such as Elicit, Semantic Scholar, Litmaps, and SciSpace provide support in finding, analyzing, and visualizing scientific information. The session emphasized the importance of critically engaging with AI output.

Strategies towards AI resilient assessments

Jacqui Edwards and Ivar Kolvoort (UvA Teaching and Learning Centre) provided practical guidance on making assessments AI-proof. Smart strategies help design assignments and exams that are future-proof in the age of AI.

Lunch + Demo: Virtual Reality in education

During lunch, participants had the opportunity to get an impression of how Virtual Reality is being used in healthcare education at the AUAS Smart Health and Vitality Lab at the Library.

Develop and blend your teaching materials with the AI Inspiration Wheel

Sylvia Moes(VU)  and Harrie van der Meer introduced the AI Inspiration Wheel, a tool for developing inspiring and customized learning materials. 

Participants learned how to use the wheel to further develop learning materials in collaboration with colleagues and address underrepresented themes.

With a diverse range of inspiring sessions and enthusiastic participants, Library Academy 2025 was a great success. We look forward to the next edition!