Forum “The Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region: Past and Present” with the Participation of Adrianna Paradowska

On 16 October 2026, the second History and Education Forum, “The Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region: Past and Present. Cultural Heritage Preserved on Film”, was held in Toruń, with the participation of Adrianna Paradowska, Deputy Director of the New Technology Division at the Institute of National Remembrance. The programme featured film screenings, lectures, panel discussions, educational workshops and discussions on developing critical thinking skills among students and using artificial intelligence in education.

A Meeting of Educators, Teachers and History Enthusiasts

The Forum took place at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. It was addressed to teachers, students, regional history enthusiasts, museum professionals, representatives of cultural institutions, educators and anyone interested in the history and cultural heritage of Kuyavia and Pomerania. The event provided a platform for exchanging experiences, exploring new teaching approaches and finding inspiration for working with history.

Participants emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of local history and cultural heritage, which help shape the identity of successive generations. Learning about the people, events and places associated with one’s immediate surroundings makes it possible to better understand the region’s past and recognise its connections with the history of the country as a whole. As a medium of memory and a record of its time, film plays an important role in this process: it helps preserve local stories and bring them closer to younger generations.

Modern Education Among the Forum’s Key Themes

Topics addressed during the discussions and workshops included “Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Teachers” and “Quests as an Opportunity to Build Civil Society”. The diversity of subjects explored demonstrates that contemporary education increasingly requires new approaches to knowledge-sharing that respond to students’ changing needs and the challenges facing teachers.

Modern technologies, interactive learning formats and engaging educational activities not only make information easier to absorb but also foster independent thinking, creativity and collaboration. Discussions at the Forum highlighted the growing need to introduce innovative educational tools that complement traditional teaching methods and help engage young people more effectively in learning about history and understanding the contemporary world.

The IPN New Technology Zone: An Educational Highlight of the Forum

Our participation in the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate the practical potential of immersive history education as an approach that combines historical narratives with experience and emotion. Educational games and applications present history in an engaging, modern format while encouraging reflection on the lives of historical figures and the significance of events that have shaped our identity.

The interest in innovative educational solutions forms part of a broader discussion about the future of teaching, in which digital technologies support teachers by speeding up their work, helping slow the progression of professional burnout and creating opportunities for open, honest conversations with students. At the same time, these solutions stimulate students’ curiosity, help them sustain their attention for longer and foster a lasting connection with their homeland.

The presence of Adrianna Paradowska, Deputy Director of the IPN New Technology Division, provided an additional opportunity for direct conversations with teachers and other Forum participants. These individual discussions helped explain the principles of immersive history education, address many concerns about implementing new teaching methods and demonstrate practical ways to use games and digital tools in the classroom.

Direct engagement with the educational community also offered a valuable opportunity to learn about teachers’ needs and exchange experiences. It reaffirmed the importance of fostering dialogue between the creators of innovative educational solutions and the professionals who use them in their everyday work with students.