Piri Reis University has taken a pioneering step in technology and education. By organizing the “AI Use in Higher Education Training,” the university aims to provide training on artificial intelligence and digital transformation to its academic and administrative staff as well as industry leaders, and to continue this training series.
The training program titled “AI Use in Higher Education” was held at Piri Reis University’s Deniz Campus, Rıdvan Kartal Conference Hall, on September 2–3–4. The event began with a presentation on “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” by Piri Reis University Rector Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca, followed by presentations from Piri Reis University faculty members Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Yalman and Assist. Prof. Dr. Tanju Sirmen.
In the second session, Middle East Technical University faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tarkan Gürbüz delivered a presentation covering topics such as Digital Competencies, Digital Trends, Dimensions and Requirements of Digital Transformation, Digital Transformation in Education and Learning, Design Thinking, Current Challenges and Opportunities. He also discussed “Innovative Learning Environments” and “Creating Presentations and Course Content Using AI Tools,” sharing his evaluations in this context.
Sharing his views on the collaboration, Microsoft Türkiye Cloud Solutions Team Lead Barbaros Günay stated:
“Piri Reis University has launched a new AI-focused training series to take the benefits it has long enjoyed from Microsoft cloud services to the next level. Within this scope, we aim to equip its faculty with knowledge on developing solutions using Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 services, making them compatible with artificial intelligence and agentic technologies, enhancing the university’s capacity to produce solutions, and ensuring its students graduate as competent individuals prepared for the AI-driven world. As a technology company that places extra value on collaborations in education, we fully support Piri Reis University with all our knowledge and expertise in achieving this goal.”
On the final day of the training, Cihan Özhan, AI Security Engineer representing Bilge Adam, Microsoft Türkiye’s education partner, gave a presentation titled “Hands-on AI Training in the Microsoft Ecosystem,” where he stated:
“As a university, we are preparing our students not only for today but also for the world of the future. Through this training, we aim to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into courses, enhancing our students’ digital competencies. This collaboration with Piri Reis University demonstrates the transformative power of AI in education. Students will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills applicable in real life.”
With this strategic step, Piri Reis University will continue to provide its students with the most up-to-date digital skills by integrating into Microsoft’s global technology ecosystem.
The training program aims to provide students with hands-on experience using Microsoft’s latest AI tools, including Copilot Chat, M365 Copilot, Bookings, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the role of AI in education across a variety of areas, from creating course materials to process automation, from student assessment to chatbot development.
