At the "Science Cafe" meeting organized by the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Science Communication Coordination, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar came together with students to evaluate the future of higher education and digital transformation. Emphasizing that technology is a tool and humans are at the center, Dalgar highlighted MAKÜ's pioneering vision that makes artificial intelligence courses mandatory in all departments. It was also noted that thanks to the "6+2 Education Model," which provides students with field experience, the employment rate in institutions where internships are conducted has reached 67%. The program concluded in a sincere atmosphere where students' questions were answered with the participation of the university administration.
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Science Communication Coordination organized the 'Science Cafe' meetings where Rector Dalgar met with students, discussing important evaluations on the future of higher education, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and career development.
The program held at the Book&Coffee Cafeteria was attended by students from different departments within the campus as well as representative students from the districts. In his speech titled 'Future Directions in Higher Education', Rector Dalgar emphasized that the importance of universities has not diminished in an era where digitalization is rapidly increasing; on the contrary, it has increased even more.
Stating that artificial intelligence and digital tools facilitate access to information, Rector Dalgar said that the main issue is not to reach information, but to ask the right questions, analyze the obtained information, and distinguish between right and wrong. Rector Dalgar pointed out that universities should no longer be focused on rote learning but should be institutions that teach what to do with knowledge, saying, 'Technology is a tool; the human is at the center'.
Rector Dalgar noted that they have taken significant steps to adapt to the transformation of artificial intelligence as a university, stating that they are among the first universities to make the artificial intelligence course mandatory in all departments. He emphasized the importance of equipping students not only with academic knowledge but also with versatile competencies such as digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication.
Rector Dalgar stated that individuals who can quickly adapt to change will stand out in the world of the future, and that they support the multifaceted development of students with practices such as micro-credentials, social diplomas, and career schools.
In his speech, Rector Dalgar also touched upon the importance of experience-based education, stating that the sector now demands not only diplomas but also practical skills and field experience. Rector Dalgar indicated that thanks to the '6+2 Education Model' implemented at Burdur MAKÜ, students receive direct education within the sector during the last two semesters, revealing that the employment rate of students in the institutions where they intern reached 67% in some departments and faculties.
Rector Dalgar also drew attention to the value of the opportunities offered by Turkey in the field of higher education, stating that the state-supported university system, scholarship opportunities, and dormitory facilities provide significant advantages, urging students to make the best use of these opportunities.
At the end of the program, Rector Dalgar listened to the students' requests and answered their questions. The meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz GÜRSOY, Rector Advisors Prof. Dr. Ali Murat ALPARSLAN, Prof. Dr. Dursun KÖSE .