Qatar University (QU) organised the 14th Excellence in Education and Learning Forum, titled 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education: Navigating into the Future'. The aim was to discover the best ways to meet learners' needs in a rapidly changing world and explore the realm of AI to align technology and pedagogy and study the challenges and concerns, particularly with the changing landscape of higher education due to the AI revolution.
In his opening speech, Dr Omar al-Ansari, the then vice president for Academic Affairs at QU (he was appointed QU president on Thursday), delivered a written speech prepared by AI. He emphasised that not everything mentioned in his speech, generated by the AI in less than 10 minutes, is true. Dr al-Ansari called on the faculty members to review the educational process and, specifically, the evaluation of students.
He stressed the need to ensure the wise and rational use of AI, stating, “AI is an opportunity for everyone, and we all must use it wisely and intelligently. Each faculty member must think about how to use it to enhance the educational and research processes in a proper manner that respects the ethics and values we live by while nurturing this generation for optimal use of AI.”
He further added: “The question we should ask ourselves now is what will happen later? Is it just a bubble that will eventually become a thing of the past, or is it something real that will develop in this world? And if the world will not return to its previous state before the AI, I believe that this thing will impact our future lives, and there are many questions today about the extent of AI's influence on our lives.”
During a workshop held with the deans of colleges regarding AI, it was revealed that the use of AI may vary from one college to another, and the nature of specialisations will impose different methods of collaboration with AI. The colleges will hold sessions on how to deal with AI, where experience will be built and the process will be evaluated in terms of what is allowed and what is not.
The general session titled “Education for the AI Revolution: Enhancing a Comprehensive Approach Centered on Wisdom and Diversity” was presented by Dr Junaid Qadir, a professor of computer engineering at the College of Engineering. This session emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive thinking and wisdom in the 21st century, characterised by rapid and complex changes.
The comprehensive approach, focusing on human beings in education, is of utmost importance. It encompasses diverse perspectives and knowledge methods to effectively face the complex challenges that society faces. Especially with the continuous advancement of AI, it is necessary for higher education to adapt to the latest technological developments like ChatGPT and GPT4. Dr Qadir presented ways in which higher education can adapt and respond effectively to ensure the promotion of social well-being, human capabilities, inclusivity, and openness.
Several seminars were held at the conference, including the AI and Knowledge Development Seminar: Ethical Issues in Smart Education Applications, presented by Dr Yamin Boudhan, Professor of Media at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Prof Said Elbanna, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Management and Economics, presented a seminar titled Exploring the Integration of ChatGPT in Education: Adapting for the Future.
Radhouan Ben-Hamadou, associate professor in Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, presented a seminar on Teaching Graduate Courses in the Age of AI: Leveraging Technology to Enhance the Learning Experience. Dr Hiba Naccache, Professor of Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering, discussed the application of AI in teaching and learning mathematics during her seminar.
Prof Mahjoob Zweiri, director of the Gulf Studies Centre at the College of Arts and Sciences, presented a seminar on AI and the Production or Recycling of Knowledge. Dr Seeta al-Athba, head of the Arabic Language Department at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, shed light on activating Class Point in interactive presentations. Anwar Alfetlawi, an English language lecturer in the Foundation Programme, delivered a seminar titled AI and Academic Integrity: Dealing with Texts Generated by AI.
Dr Saleh al-Hazbi, a computer science lecturer at the College of Engineering, presented a seminar on the use of AI for analysing student learning, from prediction to guidance. Professor Nader Mohamed Ibrahim, Professor of Private Law at the College of Law, conducted a seminar on “Menti” application as a tool for student engagement in the classroom: A Story from the College of Law. Lastly, Dr Mona al-Sawaf, Professor of Educational Psychology at the College of Education, addressed differentiation while considering cognitive approaches.”