ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) hosted the ‘International Conference on Education: Pioneering Education’s Future’ in efforts to shape the future of education for UAE students and beyond through a hybrid conference in Al Ain, UAE from 2-3 October 2024.
The conference, under the theme ‘Innovations in Teaching and Learning: Charting Higher Education’s Path Forward’, was organised by ADU in partnership with the Regional Center for Educational Planning, UNESCO (RCEP-UNESCO), Liwa College, Quality Matters (QM), University of Florida (UF), Queen Rania Teaching Academy (QRTA), and Drexel University School of Education.
The conference received 250 papers from 25 countries around the world with 125 papers presented both physically and virtually during the conference.
The event brought together leading academic professionals, researchers, and practitioners to showcase innovative teaching approaches and address pressing challenges in the global academic context.
The diverse panel of expert speakers also highlig
hted the importance of both cross-border and inter-field collaboration in curriculums to offer students a more comprehensive academic foundation that will better serve the needs of the increasingly globalised and interconnected economy of the future.
Additionally, the conference featured ChatGPT as a panelist in a session titled ‘AI and Education: Revolutionizing Pedagogies and Empowering Learners,’ highlighting the growing role of AI in improving education, student success and engagement.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said, ‘The landscape of higher education is poised for transformational change as we engage with a new generation of digital natives-Gen Z students, a generation that knows no boundaries whether geographic, digital or disciplinary. The driving forces behind this shift, including economic, social, and technological factors, are evolving rapidly, along with the growing role and influence of AI. At ADU, we aim to offer our students diverse learning alternativ
es by introducing AI and advanced educational tools, enabling them to personalise their academic experience.’
Dr. Mohammad Fteiha, Director of Al Ain Campus, and Director of the Centre for Smart Learning in ADU’s Al Ain Campus, stated, ‘Abu Dhabi University is committed to reshaping the future of the educational sector in the UAE and beyond by working closely with key partners and industry experts to offer our students a world-class education. Through the inaugural conference, we aim to bring global best practices and the latest innovations in education to the region to help prepare our students to drive national visions and strategies. We look forward to further collaborating with our esteemed partners in future editions of the conference.’
The conference witnessed the participation of over 200 attendees and subject matter experts from renowned national and international organisations including ADU, RCEP-UNESCO, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Khalifa Award for Education, QRTA and Liwa College.
T
he speakers addressed key areas that will impact the future of the academic landscape including Sustainable Education Practices, Educational Technology and Tools, Faculty and Teacher Development and Support, and Pedagogy and Instructional Design.
Workshops were also organised to help enhance virtual education delivery, ensure inclusivity in diverse classroom settings, and highlight the role of AI in teaching and learning with the aim to enhance educational outcomes for both students and faculty.
Source: Emirates News Agency
