Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University (QU) hosted the inaugural Digital Learning and Online Education Forum, under the auspices of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs Professor Ibrahim Al Kaabi.
The event, organised by the University’s Office for Digital Learning and Online Education (DLOE), convened international experts and thought leaders to explore the integration of online learning and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into higher education curricula and frameworks.
The forum, themed ‘The Future of Higher Education in the Era of Generative AI’, aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Digital Agenda.
Professor Kaabi highlighted the university’s commitment to embracing digital transformation, saying “This forum underscores our strategic vision to integrate educational technology, particularly AI, to enhance both teaching and learning experiences at Qatar University.”
A key highlight of the forum was the range of esteemed speakers, including Professor Barbara Oakley from Oakland University, USA, an internationally acclaimed educator and expert in learning science, Professor Fengchun Miao, chief of the Unit for Technology and AI in Education at UNESCO.
Their insights emphasised the transformative potential of AI in education and addressed both opportunities and challenges presented by this technology.
The event also featured a talk by Dr Samar Farah of Coursera, who explored best practices in integrating online learning into higher education curricula.
The forum also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr Wissam Tawileh from DLOE, with participation from three esteemed panellists: Professor Barbara Oakley of Oakland University, Dr Lotfi Belkhir of QU and Dr Marni Baker Stein from Coursera.
Dr Mohammad Al Smadi, director of DLOE, expressed his gratitude to the forum speakers and participants and sponsor, saying, “We are immensely thankful to all the speakers, particularly our strategic partner in integrating online learning into Qatar University curricula, Coursera, for their invaluable contributions and continued support in advancing our digital learning objectives.”
The forum facilitated engaging discussions on the evolving landscape of digital and online education, highlighting the critical role of generative AI technologies in shaping the future of higher education. It also provided a platform for networking among educators, researchers and policymakers, fostering collaborative opportunities to further enhance the educational experience at QU.
