Erkan as a lecturer

I am quoted in this article: “Integrating GenAI into communication education for ‘generation prompt’: an exploration of academics’ perspectives …in Turkiye”

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Dear Bilge and her colleagues interviewed me, among other experts and academics, for the article: Şenyüz, B., Özgen, E., & Oğuzcan, A. U. (2025). Integrating GenAI into communication education for ‘generation prompt’: an exploration of academics’ perspectives on its benefits, challenges, and future prospects in Turkiye. Encontros Bibli: revista eletrônica de biblioteconomia e ciência da … Read more

Istanbul under snow, Preparing syllabi for my courses, Playing Civ VII

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After 4 or 5 years, Istanbul finally got a good load of snow that immediately broke down the city’s ordinary life. Traffic was overloaded, the roads were not good for many to drive, and schools were closed. We are not in a formal closure, but most lecturers worked at home as the classes will start … Read more

Newly released: Open educational materials for “Sustainability, circular economy, and creative computing”

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I was also part of the preparation. Introduction Why did we create this material? Currently, there is an increasing concern about sustainability and robustness of complex infrastructures upon which many of our day-to-day activities depend. In the European Union, the term circular economy is a well-established element of the European Green Deal, describing a transformation … Read more

Teaching digital literacy to the future’s champions

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Sinem and I had a digital literacy session with minor Eczacıbaşı Volleyball teams a few days ago. Eczabaşı is one of the most successful teams; some of its players are in the national team. Hopefully, we will see some of the players in our session become national team players in the future.  

STS Türkiye 2025 Winter School Program

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It has been an honor to be part of STS Türkiye for more than four years. We could not get funding on time, so lecturers paid their own tickets to come and lecture in Ankara. Thanks to the Ministry of Youth, students could stay in a beautiful guest house! Monday, February 3, 2025 12:00Arrival 13.00-14.00Lunch … Read more

Mission completed in Munich

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Our month-long sessions resulted in a workshop at CAS (LMU) last week, and in a few months, we will have a policy paper. It is time for me to get back to Istanbul.

A few days of stress and anxiety

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No need to be alarmed! I just got overwhelmed with the stuff I am working on. While working on several papers and projects, I have to finish up grading- and some undergraduate students are acting ruder than normal- some graduate students are disappointing- but only a few, but it still hurts me- and in the … Read more

Hello Munich!

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We have arrived and settled. The city is still feeling Christmas, but life will be back to normal by January 7. Sinem and I will walk around and familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood. The Center of Advanced Studies building is within walking distance. Until we return on January 31, I hope to have a peaceful … Read more

I am very pleased to announce my edited volume: “Understanding Generative AI in a Cultural Context”

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This begins a series of edited volumes with my doctoral students and a wider community of scholars I work with. We are already working on a new title, but this is the first cherished one! I have uploaded the preface and extended content to Academia.edu. The official site here, I case you would like to … Read more

A presentation in İzmir; AI powered smart city applications

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I was in İzmir today and will fly back to İstanbul in an hour. -in fact, I already flew- It was an opportunity to think about AI-powered smart city cases and data politics in general. In the end, I summarize my presentation. İzmir Planning Office (an entity officially affiliated with İzmir municipality) organized the event. … Read more

My comments included in this Carnegie piece: “Understanding the Information Environment: Insights from the Majority World”

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Understanding the Information Environment: Insights from the Majority World Researchers around the world address shortcomings and provide recommendations on Global North approaches to research and policymaking. by Samantha Lai Published on December 12, 2024 Global North actors often research and shape the information ecosystems of the Majority World1—for example, by studying influence operations that target Majority … Read more

An AI Film Festival started in İstanbul

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On Monday, Sinem and I attended the opening panel and workshop TÜRKİYE INTERNATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FILM FESTIVAL that continues at İstanbul Gelişim University. As a duo, we discussed AI’s transformative role in media and then started a workshop on basic AI tools. I was honored to be part of this event, and special thanks go … Read more

About last week! One of the busiest weeks this year

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While the house of Asad collapsed, I may have had the busiest week. This semester, I have two undergraduate courses and, some weeks, a doctoral seminar on Mondays. After a busy day and an online interview on AI and society, I was ready for the Tuesday event. German, Dutch, and Swedish consulates celebrate Human Rights … Read more

It is out! I will be visiting Munich as a fellow in January 2025

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Visiting fellows lists at CAS can be found here. I will visit Munich as a fellow in January 2025, and Sinem will accompany me. Our Research group led by Prof. Udupa: Below the Radar? Messaging Apps, Encryption and the Enticement of Extreme Speech Online extreme speech and disinformation have emerged as a major problem for … Read more

I am now a co-convenor of Media Anthropology Network

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Along with John Postill and Katrien Pype, I have become a convenor at the EASA Media Anthropology Network. Let’s see how it goes. I meant to contribute more for the next term, but John invited me in formally, and here I am.