Special Theme: The Future of Education, Powered by IT and AI

Objectives

In 2026, the intersection of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI (GenAI), will continue to profoundly reshape the landscape of education. This theme invites exploration into how these rapidly evolving technologies are driving innovation, personalizing learning experiences, and preparing students for a future that demands adaptability and new skill sets.

We encourage discussions and presentations on topics such as:

• Personalized Learning Pathways: How AI is enabling customized curricula, adaptive assessments, and tailored content delivery to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
• Intelligent Tutoring Systems: The development and impact of AI-powered tutors that provide real-time feedback, support, and guidance.
• Generative AI in Content Creation: Exploring how GenAI tools are assisting in the creation of educational materials, simulations, and interactive learning environments.
• Data Analytics for Educational Insights: Leveraging IT and AI to analyze student performance data, identify trends, and inform instructional strategies.
• Ethical Considerations and Responsible AI: Addressing the important discussions around data privacy, algorithmic bias, equity, and the responsible implementation of AI in educational settings.
• Teacher Empowerment and Professional Development: How IT and AI tools are supporting educators, automating administrative tasks, and fostering new opportunities for professional growth.
• Future-Proofing Education: Preparing students with the critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.

This theme encourages a forward-looking perspective on how we can harness the power of IT and AI to create more engaging, effective, and accessible educational experiences for all.

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.