Prof. Shakil Akhtar
Clayton State University
Bio: Dr. Shakil Akhtar has been a Professor of IT and Computer Science at Clayton State University since 2007. He was the IT Department head during 2007-2008. Before that he was a Professor in the College of Information Technology at UAE University from 2002 to 2007, with interim Dean during 2003-2004. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Wayne State University, MS in Electrical Engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Peshawar. His main research interests are reliability/performance modeling of computer and communications systems, QoS and security issues of mobile systems, wireless LAN standards and CS/IT education. His other prior work experience includes Computer Science/Engineering Departments at Central Michigan University, University of Toledo, and King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His published research consists of papers in international journals and proceedings of international conferences, including papers in IEEE Transactions on Reliability, Computer Communications, WSEAS Transactions on Mathematics, ASEE Annual Conference & Exhibitions, Spring and Summer Simulation Multiconferences, SIGCSE Technical Symposiums on Computer Science Education, etc. He is a member of several journal editorial boards including the Editor-In-Chief of IT Journal. He has also been a keynote speaker, general chair and program committee member of numerous international conferences.
Title: How AI is Transforming the Education Industry
Abstract: Technology development during the past decade has shaped the education industry in many ways. Recently, we noticed a new wave of reshaping the education industry due to the development of AI. First it appeared that AI is anti-productive in the field of education due to tools like ChatGPT widely used by students around the globe to generate papers and solutions to the problems. According to a current Forbes survey of 500 educators in US, majority (55%) believed that AI has improved education outcomes, while some (18%) believe that it has hindered educational outcomes (https://appinventiv.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-education/). Only about 17% believe that AI has no impact, while 10% are still unsure. These numbers are rapidly changing in favor of adopting AI for the education industry due to several tools available to educators and students. AI-powered classroom now offers personalized learning, student engagement, continuous assessment, curriculum flexibility, instant feedback and skill development, etc. Several tools are already available, and many new ones are already emerging. Among them some notables are Google classroom, Duolingo for language learning, Coursera for online learning, Quizlet for studying and learning, and Squirrel AI for AI-powered adaptive learning. In addition, Microsoft Copilot helps learn the basic concepts and allows building of fluency through independent practice and saves time with insights. In addition, the integration of Copilot with search engines allows the use of generative AI in real time. This keynote address will delve further into the use of various upcoming AI technologies that can be used effectively in the education industry. We will also look at how some of the leading educational institutions are planning to take advantage of AI to enhance the education field.
Prof. Yutaro Ohashi
Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan
Yutaro Ohashi graduated from the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University. Later, he was awarded the Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (PD) and worked for Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and served as a visiting scholar at the University of Helsinki. He currently holds professorship in the Department of Information and Communications Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, Yutaro Ohashi has been actively involved in English and information media education. He is particularly interested in learning environments designed by learners, and he has received numerous awards for his work in non-traditional learning environments (e.g., zoos, aquariums, and architectural schools for children). His wide-ranging interests span from pedagogical aspects of the information society to information and game design and how education continues to evolve in an advanced information society. Recently, he has authored several papers addressing the evaluation of creative learning processes in university education, with an emphasis on engineering education. These research accomplishments have earned him recognition and awards, such as the encouragement and research presentation awards from the Japanese Society for Engineering Education.
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Prof.Harris Wu
Old Dominion University, USA
Dr. Wu has conducted over two decades of teaching and research in enterprise computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and IT strategy. He has served as a consultant for numerous Global Fortune 500 companies and the United States government. As a consultant, he has visited global businesses in more than 80 countries. As a principal investigator, he has led research projects funded by the National Science Foundation and industry leaders such as Microsoft. His current research focuses on AI-driven decision making and the impact of AI on education. Dr. Wu publishes in journals such as Decision Support Systems, Electronic Markets, Enterprise Information Systems, European Journal of Operations Research, Information and Management, and Knowledge-Based Systems, and magazines such as the Communications of ACM and IEEE Software. Dr. Wu currently directs the Ph.D. Program at the Strome College of Business, Old Dominion University. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Information Technology from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Title: Shifts in Graduate Education Brought by Generative AI
Abstract: The talk will discuss how Generative AI is changing the work of professors, course designers, and graduate students. After reviewing the trends and challenges in graduate and professional education driven by generative AI, I will present grounded examples in business education and a few recent studies on the impact of generative AI on course design, graduate student learning, and the way doctoral students and professors conduct their research. While generative AI presents many challenges to higher education, the new technology can be a learning and productivity multiplier if used properly.