On 3 November 2026, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute hosted a methodological seminar entitled “Continuity and Innovation in School and University IT Education: From the Fundamentals of Computer Science to Artificial Intelligence.” Organised by the Educational and Scientific Institute of Applied System Analysis, the event brought together university lecturers, computer science teachers from secondary schools in the Boryspil area, and representatives of education authorities.
The main aim of the meeting was to establish systematic cooperation between schools and the university, discuss current challenges in teaching computer science, explore the use of artificial intelligence technologies in education, and seek new formats for collaboration.
The seminar was opened by Tetiana Zheliaskova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. She emphasised the importance of aligning the development of university degree programmes with the changes taking place in the general secondary education system. The Vice-Rector actively participated in the seminar and the discussion of prospects for further cooperation.
Meetings of this kind are particularly relevant in the context of the reform of upper secondary specialised education. Starting in 2029, graduates of pilot academic lyceums are expected to have the opportunity to enrol in three-year bachelor’s degree programmes, while the new model is set to be implemented more widely from 2030.
These changes present universities with fundamentally new challenges. What knowledge and competencies will prospective university students acquire at specialised secondary schools? How can continuity between school and university curricula be ensured? How can the content of bachelor’s degree programmes be updated while preserving their strong academic foundations and high quality?
Answering these questions requires not only discussions within universities but also an ongoing dialogue with teachers who work directly with prospective students.
The substantive part of the seminar began with a presentation by Oksana Tymoshchuk, Deputy Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Applied System Analysis for Academic and Methodological Affairs, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Associate Professor. Her presentation focused on the university’s current expectations regarding the knowledge and competencies of applicants to IT degree programmes.
Participants discussed the level of school graduates’ preparation, the role of mathematics and algorithmic thinking, and opportunities for developing continuous learning pathways between schools and universities.
An important part of the programme was a discussion of the challenges and barriers to teaching computer science in today’s schools, ranging from technical resources and infrastructure to student motivation and the need to adapt curricula to the rapid development of information technology.
The practical component of the event was led by Nataliia Shapoval, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Associate Professor at the Department of Artificial Intelligence of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Applied System Analysis, and academic coordinator of the bachelor’s degree programme in Artificial Intelligence Systems and Methods. She conducted a workshop entitled “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Theory and Practice”.
Particular attention was paid to the potential of modern AI tools in education, as well as to their responsible use, academic integrity, and the development of new approaches to designing learning assignments and assessing outcomes.
Open dialogue between university lecturers and schoolteachers was another important part of the seminar. Participants had the opportunity not only to share their own experience but also to discuss specific areas for future cooperation.
The following areas were identified as promising avenues for cooperation:
- Involving school students in university elective courses, open lectures, research seminars, and summer schools;
- Jointly preparing students for academic olympiads, programming competitions, and research contests;
- Providing academic advice and mentoring support for research projects by students of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine;
- Developing and piloting teaching materials and practical case studies using artificial intelligence technologies;
- Aligning specialised secondary school curricula with the requirements of university degree programmes.
Participants also discussed opportunities to develop joint educational initiatives that would introduce school students to current areas of computer science, systems analysis, and artificial intelligence even before they apply to university.
Importantly, the meeting went beyond formal presentations. The lively discussion demonstrated the mutual interest of secondary and higher education representatives in finding practical solutions and developing long-term partnerships.
The seminar was an important step towards establishing systematic cooperation between the Educational and Scientific Institute of Applied System Analysis and secondary education institutions in the Kyiv region.
Its main outcome was not only an exchange of experience but also the development of a shared understanding of the challenges facing schools and universities amid education reform, as well as the identification of promising areas for further cooperation.
For the Educational and Scientific Institute of Applied System Analysis, this dialogue is particularly important, as updating degree programmes in information technology requires taking into account both changes in secondary school curricula and the rapid development of modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence.
Participants expressed their hope that the dialogue initiated at the seminar would continue through regular methodological meetings, joint educational events, and practical cooperation between teachers and researchers.
Amid education reform and rapid technological development, ongoing communication between schools and universities is essential to ensuring continuity in educational programmes, improving the quality of young people’s education, and creating new opportunities for developing their abilities and talents. After all, the intellectual and technological potential, defence capabilities, and future of Ukraine depend to a large extent on educators’ ability to join forces today.
ℹ️ Watch the Image Centre of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute’s video report to learn more about the event.