Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

The high incidence of students’ and teachers’ use of artificial intelligence in education presents many challenges, techniques, and benefits. The use of technology, especially content-generated Artificial Intelligence tools, is a double-edged sword. This theme focuses on all aspects of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. Presenters are invited to share their anecdotal and empirical research on this sub-theme. Some suggested areas include AI in education, emerging technologies, teacher training and AI, ethics and equity, digital transformation, EdTech innovation, data-driven education, cybersecurity, and digital literacy. 

Inclusive and Equitable Education for All

As we strive to narrow the playing field for all stakeholders, the thrust is on being inclusive and fostering an equitable environment. This theme encompasses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Presentations should focus on equity in education, inclusive practices, culturally responsive pedagogy, policy and advocacy, teacher training and professional development, technology and inclusion, and community and parental engagement. Other areas are welcomed. 

Mental Health and Well-Being in Educational Settings

This theme emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being in fostering positive environments, specifically within educational settings. Presenters are encouraged to share their anecdotal and empirical experiences, especially in areas such as student, educator, and leader mental health and well-being, trauma-informed practices, mental health programmes, policies and frameworks, and technology and mental health.

Evolving Models of Teaching and Learning

This broad sub-theme considers critical aspects of the teaching/learning dyad. It encompasses innovative frameworks and methodologies that speak to the interplay between teaching and learning. This sub-theme consists of additional topics, such as blended and hybrid learning models, personalized learning, collaborative and experiential learning, competency-based education, flipped classrooms, inquiry and problem-based learning, emerging roles of educators, and future-ready skills.  

Evolving Leadership in Educational Settings

This sub-theme focuses on the evolving dynamics of leadership in educational settings. It focuses on innovative, agile, adaptive, transformative, and people-centred leadership that navigates and negotiates the changing educational landscape. Presenters are encouraged to explore contemporary and futuristic concepts, models, and theories of leadership that can be used to future-proof educational settings.  Such areas can include the following topics but are not limited to them: types of leadership, leadership styles, traits, behaviours, and contingency leadership, crisis leadership, leadership for mental health and wellbeing, emotionally intelligent leadership, community-centred leadership, teacher leadership, instructional leadership, and leadership in a technological sphere. 

Educational Policy and Funding

This sub-theme focuses on how educational policy and funding can drive institutional advancement. What requisite resources could lead to an equitable and sustainable educational setting? The following sub-topics fall under this broad umbrella: equitable funding models, policy innovation, the impact of funding on quality education, global and local best practices in educational policy and funding (Global North and South), challenges in policy development and implementation, accountability and transparency, technology funding and policy, research funding and policy, and emergency and crisis funding.

Upskilling, Deskilling, and Reskilling Human Capital in Educational Settings

This sub-theme encompasses the responsibilities of key stakeholders in the teaching/learning department to ensure that they are on the cutting edge of pedagogy, andragogy, instructional design, and delivery. How can institutional leaders foster workforce adaptability and mitigate the risks of reskilling, and, through upskilling programmes, empower staff? Topics under these sub-themes can include upskilling and reskilling for the digital age, mitigating deskilling, continuous professional development models, the role of leadership in workforce transformation, equity in access to skill development, and interdisciplinary teaching/research collaborations. Presenters are encouraged to combine practice/praxis and theory in their discussions. 

Gender Transformative Education

This sub-theme highlights the importance of engendering a culture of gender equity and inclusivity in educational settings. It explores the normalization of gender stereotypes and gender inequalities. Presenters are encouraged to explore topics such as gender-inclusive curriculum design, gender-based violence in schools, gender equity in STEM and STEAM, fostering positive masculinities, gender-responsive pedagogy, leadership and gender in education, policies for gender equality, and intersectionality in gender education. 

Migration, mobility, and belonging among students and teachers 

With the world, a global village and more movement of human capital than ever before, the impact of migration on students and teachers is worth investigating. How are migrant teachers and students coping with their belonger/non-belonger status? Are they finding resilient ways to cope? How assimilated are they within their adopted land? How does migration impact educational settings? These are some of the questions presenters are encouraged to respond to in this sub-theme. Some suggested focus areas are educational experiences of migrant teachers and students, teacher mobility and migration, culturally responsive teaching, belonging in transnational contexts, policies and advocacies that hinder/help mobility of migrants, and support systems for migrants.