On November 11-12, 2024, the IA SUMMIT LATAM 2024 was held in Guatemala City, attracting more than 650 participants from across Latin America. At this influential event, partners of the ECOCredGT project presented the latest advancements in digital credentialing and artificial intelligence applications in education and professional training. Through a series of keynote presentations, the team shared insights into the project’s progress, aiming to build an adaptable, validated model to support Vocational Education and Training Institutions (VET) in adopting a robust Digital Credentialing ecosystem.
ECOCredGT’s primary objective is “to build capacity within VET institutions to foster a Digital Credentialing ecosystem that positively impacts employability.” This project is dedicated to creating a scalable and replicable model that enables institutions to undergo effective Digital Transformation, enhancing employability through the recognition of specialized competencies. The IA SUMMIT LATAM 2024 was a strategic platform for ECOCredGT to emphasize the importance of adopting digital credentials to equip learners and professionals with verifiable, portable credentials that meet modern workforce demands.
The presentations at IA SUMMIT LATAM 2024 included:
- Dr. Carlos Alario, from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and Project Coordinator of ECOCredGT, delivered a presentation titled “The Relevance of Context in Generative AI Support for Training and Professional Development.” Dr. Alario’s presentation explored how generative AI tools can enhance learning experiences by contextualizing support in educational and professional environments, tailoring assistance to individual learning needs and career goals. This contextual approach supports ECOCredGT’s vision of making digital credentials meaningful and adaptable to various learning and career paths.
- Dr. Carlos Delgado Kloos, also from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, presented on “Artificial Intelligence and Microcredentials: Challenges and Opportunities for Training.” Dr. Delgado Kloos examined the role of AI in the issuance and management of microcredentials, focusing on how AI technologies can streamline credentialing processes, ensure accuracy, and improve the relevance of microcredentials in both local and global markets. His presentation underscored the necessity for VET institutions to adopt innovative credentialing models to stay ahead in the digital economy.
- MSc. Chiara Russ-Baumann from Graz University of Technology delivered the talk “Recent Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Knowledge Transfer and Training – Opportunities and Issues.” Russ-Baumann highlighted the latest AI-driven methods in knowledge transfer, pinpointing the strengths and potential risks of deploying AI in educational settings. Her presentation aligned with ECOCredGT’s goal of using advanced AI techniques responsibly to enhance training and skills validation while safeguarding the quality and reliability of educational outcomes.
The participation of the ECOCredGT team at IA SUMMIT LATAM 2024 demonstrated the project’s commitment to establishing digital credentialing as a cornerstone of the modern education and employment landscape in Latin America. By embracing AI and digital credentialing, ECOCredGT aims to create a sustainable model for skills recognition, empowering VET institutions to align with global standards and meet the demands of an increasingly skills-based economy.
