In the past, captivating students only required a charismatic lecturer and engaging tasks, but times have changed drastically, as have students' needs: they crave interactive lectures and advanced solutions. One such solution is artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which are effectively utilized in the study process by Dr. Pavel Skorupa, an assistant at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH). For this, he received the award "Ace of AI Application in Studies" in this year's Best Lecturers competition.

Although the Academic Support Centre recognized the Creative Industries Faculty lecturer specifically for his use of AI in the study process, Dr. Pavel Skorupa is beloved and respected by the university community not only for his professionalism and integration of new technologies. He receives many compliments for his personal qualities—sincerity, understanding, and respect for young people—which are especially appreciated by students.

"It is incredibly important for those who work with the younger generation to know that our work is seen and valued. It is a great honour for me to receive such feedback from students as their opinion plays a very important part. Sometimes it is even more significant than that of my colleagues," smiles Dr. Pavel Skorupa.

The goal – contributing to intellectual growth

Dr. Pavel Skorupa has been working at VILNIUS TECH since 2007, currently teaching various modules to first and second-year students in Creative Industries and Event Engineering: Creative Communication, English Language, Specialty English, and Media English.

According to him, while studying for his bachelor's degree, he began to contemplate the teaching profession, and during his first year of master's studies, started working in a school. While exploring his academic interests, he became fascinated with the path of teaching. This profession attracted Dr. Skorupa for many reasons, but perhaps the most significant one was the desire to share knowledge and contribute to the intellectual growth of others.

"Moreover, pedagogical work not only allows to help others but also to continuously learn oneself and delve into new areas. Therefore, in my second year of master's studies, I began teaching English at one of the colleges in Vilnius. This was a natural continuation—my love for language, research, and teaching merged into one professional choice," shares the VILNIUS TECH educator.

A significant influence on his decision came from the teachers and lecturers he met along his academic and professional journey—they made an invaluable contribution to his professional growth, inspired him to learn and became examples that Dr. Skorupa still follows.

"My love for the English language was instilled in me in my second year in school by my English teacher Natalia Bobrova. Doc. Dr. Roze Jasudaviciute taught me to study and work systematically, while other excellent lecturers contributed to my academic development. Prof. Habil. Dr. Elvyda Martisauskiene sparked my interest in pedagogical work—her course made me seriously consider teaching. My desire to teach and later lecture grew even stronger after my pedagogical practice at Sint-Pietersinstituut Catholic School in Ghent, Belgium.

I also fondly remember my two master's thesis supervisors—lecturer Irena Varnaite and doc. Dr. Viktorija Zilinskaite-Vyte, who through their professionalism showed me the importance of research. A special place in my professional journey belongs to my doctoral dissertation supervisor, acad. prof. Habil. Dr. Grasilda Blaziene, who opened the door to the enchanting world of onomastics, expanding my understanding of language studies," shares Dr. P. Skorupa.

AI tools enrich the study process

The authorities have helped Dr. Skorupa understand what makes a good lecturer. According to him, competence is crucial—a lecturer must continually learn, be open to innovations, and maintain a critical view of their own opinions. They must also have a clear perspective on the material being taught and its structure to help students grasp complex topics.

In his work, Dr. Skorupa primarily relies on professional knowledge, experience, and critical thinking. However, when creating educational materials and preparing tests for students, he also employs AI tools.

"The main tool I use is ChatGPT—it serves as an assistant for finding information on specific topics, especially when I need to quickly find context or understand different sources' viewpoints. I also use it when I need to create tasks based on my selected texts. However, it is important to me that the teaching material is tailored to my students, so I carefully review and adapt each result generated by ChatGPT.

In addition to ChatGPT, I also use other AI tools such as NaturalReader and ElevenLabs. These tools, utilizing various voice synthesis technologies, allow me to create quality listening tasks that enrich the students' learning experience," Dr. Skorupa explains.

According to Pavel, these tools help organize the learning process more quickly and efficiently, generate and assess tasks, and adapt content to student needs. Furthermore, interactive tools and new technologies enrich the learning experience and increase student motivation.

"In terms of long-term benefits, I believe AI can help optimize the learning process, improve study programs, and adapt them to changing market demands as well as technological innovations. Additionally, teaching or learning methods based on AI and various simulations allow students to gain practical skills and knowledge necessary for real life," considers the VILNIUS TECH lecturer.

Nonetheless, Dr. Skorupa is convinced that the work of a lecturer goes beyond merely transferring knowledge—he must create a learning environment where students feel respected, understood, and inspired, which would help them find their path and motivation.

"I believe that a good lecturer should be sincere, open, patient, and empathetic because every student learns at their own pace and is faced with different challenges. The ability to understand students' needs and help them discover their strengths is extremely important. It’s not for me to say if I am such a lecturer. But I trust my students' feedback," concludes Dr. Pavel Skorupa.