:: Keynote Speakers
| Abstract | Topic | Keynote Speaker |
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Based on historical eras, the transformation of societies can be observed from the hunter-gatherer society (Society 1) to the agricultural society (Society 2), followed by the industrial society (Society 3), and subsequently the information society (Society 4). The rapid advancement of information and communication technologies in Society 4, including artificial intelligence—particularly chatbots such as the "Generative Pre-trained Transformer" (ChatGPT)—has profoundly influenced various aspects of society and human life in the 21st century. This trend has prompted some countries to adopt a forward-looking perspective. Among the pioneers in this field is Japan, which has named Society 5 the "Super Smart Society." It is anticipated that technology-enhanced education and learning, especially e-learning, will play a pivotal role in the education and development of citizens in the future. Based on these considerations, advanced nations are already working to identify the characteristics of Society 5 and the role of e-learning in fostering human potential and training the workforce required for industries and other economic sectors in this new society. In light of the above, this discussion will first address the transformation of societies from Society 1 to Society 5, followed by an analysis of the features of higher education necessary to align with the progression toward this new society. Subsequently, the current state of quality assessment in e-learning, including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, will be examined. Finally, the indispensable need for continuous quality assessment in Iran's e-learning systems will be highlighted, emphasizing the necessity of scientific and practical efforts to align with global trends. |
Evaluating the quality of e-Learning and e-Teaching on the Verge of Moving Towards a “5” Society |
Prof. Abbas Bazargan Tehran University
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| With the transformation of purely physical products to hybrid compositions of physical and immaterial components processes of production, distribution and maintenance change in obviously every economic sector. Boundaries related to physical localization reduce or even disappear. As well, the workplace with its data driven immaterial dimension is increasingly recognized as a vital learning hub. Such is essential for augmenting vocational education toward equipping workers with future-ready skills. This keynote explores the integration of continuous learning at hybrid workplace, emphasizing the development of a model that blends formal vocational training with on-the-job experiential learning. As industries rapidly evolve due to technological advancements, workers must adapt by acquiring new competencies, such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. By leveraging the workplace as an active learning environment, organizations can foster a culture of continuous development, enabling employees to stay relevant and competitive. The keynote will discuss case studies illustrating successful implementation, the role of digital tools in facilitating real-time learning, and the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and employers. This approach not only enhances individual career prospects but also drives innovation and productivity within organizations |
Technologies of Training: Enhancing Vocational Learning in Digitally Transforming Industries |
Prof. Thomas Köhler TU Dresden- Germany
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Since its emergence in November 2022, Generative AI tools have significantly accelerated the development and public awareness of AI, particularly in the educational sector. Numerous studies have explored their potential, uncovering both opportunities and threats to education, as highlighted in a study published just months after their debut (Farrokhnia et al., 2024). As these tools continue to advance, the integration of more sophisticated language models has created new opportunities, addressing some of their earlier shortcomings. However, these advancements do not eliminate risks; rather, they introduce a new set of challenges, the neglect of which could have serious consequences. This keynote examines the evolution of Generative AI in education, focusing on its current applications and influence on teaching and learning practices. It also highlights the existing threats posed by the technological limitations of these tools. Building on this, the keynote will then propose strategies to address these limitations, presenting an action plan to prepare future-ready educators who can responsibly and effectively incorporate Generative AI into education.
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The Role of “Generative AI” in Shaping the Future of Education and Learning: Reflecting on the Past and Looking Ahead |
Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia University of Twente- The Netherlands
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