Abu Dhabi University (ADU) successfully hosted the 'International Conference on Education: Pioneering Education’s Future', held in Al Ain, UAE, from October 2 to 3, 2024. This hybrid conference aimed to shape the future of education for students in the UAE and beyond, attracting participants from various sectors in the educational landscape.
The conference was themed 'Innovations in Teaching & Learning: Charting Higher Education’s Path Forward'. It was organized in collaboration with prominent institutions, including 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. This partnership highlighted a collective commitment to advancing educational practices and promoting collaborative initiatives in teaching and learning.
The event garnered significant interest, receiving 250 papers from 25 countries worldwide. A total of 125 papers were presented both physically and virtually during the conference, showcasing the rich diversity of thought and research in higher education.
The gathering brought together leading academic professionals, researchers, and practitioners who shared innovative teaching approaches while addressing the pressing challenges facing the global academic community. Among the topics discussed, the emphasis was placed on the importance of cross-border and inter-field collaboration in developing curricula that provide students with a comprehensive academic foundation. This approach is essential to equip learners for success in the increasingly globalized and interconnected economy of the future.
A particularly notable session featured ChatGPT as a panelist in a discussion titled 'AI and Education: Revolutionizing Pedagogies and Empowering Learners'. This segment highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing educational practices, fostering student success, and increasing engagement.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, commented on the transformative changes in higher education. He noted, “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 alternatives by introducing AI and advanced educational tools, enabling them to personalize their academic experience”.
Dr. Mohammad Fteiha, Director of ADU’s Al Ain Campus and the Centre for Smart Learning, emphasized the university’s commitment to reshaping the educational sector in the UAE and beyond. He 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 participation from over 200 attendees and subject matter experts from esteemed national and international organizations, including ADU, RCEP-UNESCO, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Khalifa Award for Education, QRTA, and Liwa College.
Key areas addressed during the event included Sustainable Education Practices, Educational Technology and Tools, Faculty and Teacher Development and Support, and Pedagogy and Instructional Design. Workshops were also organized to enhance virtual education delivery, promote inclusivity in diverse classroom settings, and explore the role of AI in teaching and learning, all with the aim of improving educational outcomes for both students and faculty.
