Special Theme: The Future of Education, Powered by IT and AI
The fundamental objective remains to explore how IT and AI are driving innovation, personalizing learning, and preparing students for a future demanding adaptability and new skill sets. This includes:
- Advanced Infrastructure: Modern technology will continue to provide robust infrastructure with high-speed internet, cloud computing, and efficient data storage solutions, forming the backbone for all knowledge-related activities.
- Knowledge Media: Specialized environments integrating various disciplines will create rich learning experiences through telecommunications (real-time communication, global reach), interconnected platforms for seamless information flow, and vast digital libraries for data storage and retrieval.
- Learning Theories & Cognitive Sciences: Pedagogical design will increasingly leverage insights from cognitive sciences to optimize comprehension and retention, informing adaptive learning paths that cater to individual needs and styles.
Key Developments for 2026:
Immersive learning environments using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) combined with AI (e.g., Google Expeditions, Labster) will provide richer experiences, with research showing improved knowledge retention.
Personalized Learning Pathways:
AI-powered adaptive learning platforms (e.g., Century Tech, Knewton, Squirrel AI) will become even more widespread, dynamically adjusting content and pace based on real-time student performance, learning styles, and preferences.
Studies indicate that personalized learning can improve student performance by up to 30%, and retention by up to 37%.
AI will assist instructional designers in crafting engaging, learner-focused content and aid trainers in delivering more adaptive experiences.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS):
ITS will act as highly capable virtual guides, providing real-time, one-on-one feedback and support.
Advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) will make these systems more conversational, simulating human-like interaction.
ITS will diagnose knowledge gaps, offer targeted feedback, and suggest resources tailored to individual student requirements, becoming available 24/7.
Some institutions have reported significant increases in pass rates and cost savings by utilizing AI tutors.
Generative AI in Content Creation:
GenAI tools (like advanced versions of ChatGPT, Jasper, Google’s Gemini, and Claude AI) will become indispensable for educators in creating customized curricula, lessons, quizzes, simulations, and interactive learning environments at scale.
Teachers can input parameters (e.g., grade level, subject) and receive tailored resources rapidly, improving efficiency by an estimated 60% according to some 2024 surveys.
GenAI can enhance the quality of outdated or low-quality materials, leading to deeper understanding.
Data Analytics for Educational Insights:
Leveraging IT and AI to analyze vast amounts of student performance data will be standard.
Predictive analytics tools will be crucial for identifying students at risk of underachievement or dropping out, allowing for timely interventions.
These systems will provide educators with valuable insights into learning patterns, enabling data-driven improvements to instructional strategies and overall program effectiveness.
Ethical Considerations and Responsible AI:
Discussions around data privacy, algorithmic bias, equity, and responsible AI implementation will intensify and lead to more robust frameworks and policies.
Governments, like in Australia, are already endorsing frameworks (e.g., the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools) to guide ethical and responsible use.
Emphasis will be placed on transparency, accountability, and ensuring AI tools do not perpetuate or amplify existing biases.
Teacher Empowerment and Professional Development:
AI tools will increasingly support educators by automating administrative tasks (e.g., grading, progress tracking, scheduling), allowing teachers to focus on higher-value activities like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional support.
Professional development programs for teachers will heavily focus on AI literacy, enabling them to effectively integrate AI tools into their pedagogical practices and leverage real-time performance data from AI dashboards.
Future-Proofing Education:
Curricula will evolve to prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy skills, especially the ability to collaborate with and leverage AI.
The focus will shift from rote memorization to active engagement, problem-solving, and the co-creation of knowledge.
General areas for the conference
The Foundation: Faster and Cheaper Information Flow
- Advanced Infrastructure: Modern technology provides robust infrastructure for transmitting and storing information at unprecedented speeds and reduced costs. Think of high-speed internet, cloud computing, and more efficient data storage solutions. This forms the essential backbone for all knowledge-related activities.
Building Blocks for Knowledge Environments (Knowledge Media)
For raw information to be transformed into meaningful knowledge, we need specialized environments. These “knowledge media” integrate various disciplines to create rich learning experiences:
- Telecommunications:
- Real-time Communication: Enables instant connection and collaboration, whether through video conferencing for virtual classrooms or chat for quick discussions.
- Global Reach: Breaks down geographical barriers, allowing learners to access resources and connect with peers and experts worldwide.
- Computer and Networking Technologies:
- Powerful Processing: Supports complex simulations, data analysis, and the operation of sophisticated learning platforms.
- Interconnected Platforms: Networks facilitate the seamless flow of information between different applications, devices, and users, creating integrated learning ecosystems.
- Data Storage and Retrieval: Provides vast digital libraries and accessible repositories for learning materials, research, and collaborative projects.
- Learning Theories:
- Pedagogical Design: Informs how content is structured, delivered, and interacted with to optimize comprehension and retention. This includes active learning, constructivism, and connectivism.
- Personalization: Guides the development of adaptive learning paths that cater to individual student needs, learning styles, and paces.
- Cognitive Sciences:
- Understanding How We Learn: Provides insights into memory, attention, problem-solving, and motivation, which are crucial for designing effective educational tools and environments.
- Optimizing Engagement: Helps create interfaces and activities that align with cognitive processes, making learning more intuitive and less taxing.
Outcomes: Meaningful Environments for Diverse Learner Needs
By bringing these elements together, knowledge media create dynamic learning environments that:
- Facilitate Collection & Storage: Easy access to vast digital resources, from textbooks and academic papers to multimedia content.
- Enable Dissemination & Sharing: Rapid and broad distribution of educational materials and the ability for learners to easily share their work and insights.
- Foster Collaboration & Construction of Knowledge: Provide tools and spaces for learners to interact, build upon each other’s ideas, and co-create new knowledge through group projects, discussions, and shared workspaces.
This convergence ensures that education is not just about consuming information, but actively engaging with it, transforming it, and applying it in relevant ways.
Co-located Workshops
For several years, ITHET has hosted/co-located two workshops that run their own review process. All papers are submitted using the ConfTool system, but the specific track must be selected.
These workshops have their own special themes and Calls for Papers.
As is the case for ITHET papers, all papers accepted by these workshops are submitted to IEEE for publication in IEEE:Xplore. All papers must meet IEEE standards before publication. These papers are scheduled into parallel sessions alongside ITHET sessions. We urge you to submit papers to these Workshops if your research more appropriately fits there.