Data Ethics and Pedagogy

A gathering on the shadow side of data and algorithms in education, and the pedagogical response - with Ajuna Soerjadi and Joris Vlieghe. Organized by NIVOZ and Kennisnet.

AI is now present in virtually every classroom. The question is no longer whether schools should use it, but how and for what purpose. Behind every chatbot, every personalized learning recommendation, and every automated assessment lies a world of data, assumptions, and power relations that rarely become visible. What does this shadow side mean for education? What does it do to children, to teachers, to the pedagogical relationship?

This afternoon and evening brings two perspectives together. Philosopher and data ethicist Ajuna Soerjadi illuminates the shadow side: bias in data, how algorithms work, and the way AI not only reproduces but amplifies existing inequality. Philosophical pedagogue Joris Vlieghe (KU Leuven) brings the pedagogical countervoice: what does this technological reality demand of educators, teachers, and school leaders, and where lies their responsibility?

The gathering is designed as a shared conversation, not passive listening.

Programme

15:00 - Arrival with coffee and tea

15:30 - Lecture by Ajuna Soerjadi: "The Shadow Side of Data and Algorithms"
Soerjadi takes participants through her research into algorithmic discrimination and injustice. Using concrete examples - from facial recognition to risk profiling in government and education - she shows how data are never neutral and how systems can automate inequality.

16:30 - Active workshop and discussion in smaller groups: how do you have this conversation in your own (educational) practice, what does it ask of pedagogical leadership, and how do you want to carry it forward in dealing with AI within your school or organization?

17:30 - Shared dinner

18:45 - Lecture by Joris Vlieghe: "The Pedagogical Voice"
Vlieghe reflects from philosophical pedagogy on what education demands in this time.