Keynote Speakers

Aras Bozkurt, Anadolu University, Türkiye

 

Aras Bozkurt is a researcher and faculty member at Anadolu University, Türkiye. With MA and PhD degrees in distance education, Dr. Bozkurt's work focuses on empirical studies in areas such as distance education, online learning, networked learning, and educational technology. He applies critical theories like connectivism, rhizomatic learning, and heutagogy to his research. Dr. Bozkurt is also interested in emerging research paradigms, including social network analysis, sentiment analysis, and data mining. Dr. Bozkurt's studies also cover the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into educational processes in the axis of human-machine interaction.

 

His dedication to advancing the field is reflected in his editorial roles as the Editor-in-Chief of Open Praxis and Asian Journal of Distance Education, as well as his roles as an associate editor for prestigious journals like Higher Education Research and Development, Online Learning, eLearn Magazine, and Computer Applications in Engineering Education.

 

Speech Title: The Symbiotic Future: Mastering Hybrid Intelligence Through Human-AI Collaboration

 

Xinguo Yu, ACM Senior Member, IEEE Senior Member, Central China Normal University, China

 

Xinguo Yu is the dean of CCNU Wollongong Joint Institute and a professor of National Engineering Research Center for E-Learning at Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China. He is a senior member of both IEEE and ACM, and an adjunct professor of University of Wollongong, Australia. He is a vice director of Smart Educational Technology Branch Society under Automation Society in China, and the chair of Hubei Society of Artificial Intelligence in Research and Education. He received B.Sc. degree in Mathematics from Wuhan University of Technology, M. Eng degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, another M. Eng. degree from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from National University of Singapore. His current research mainly focuses on intelligent educational technology, educational robotics, multimedia analysis, computer vision, and machine learning. He has published over 170 research papers. He is Associate Editor and Guest Editors for several international journals. He was general chairs or program chairs or Keynote speakers for more than 30 international conferences. He is the main founder of annual International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research.

 

Speech Title: TBA...

 

Ben Kei Daniel,ACM Member, IEEE Senior Member, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada

 

Ben Kei Daniel, PhD, SMIEEE, is Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced learning technologies, research methodologies, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting sustainability and sustainable initiatives in higher education. Professor Daniel is an internationally recognised and award-winning research methodologist. He currently serves as Chief Editor of the Research Methods section in Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics and as Editor of the Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, including six books. He has supervised more than 56 graduate students, predominantly at the doctoral level, to completion, and has provided extensive mentorship to early- and mid-career academics globally. He has also served as a visiting Professor at universities in East Africa, Malaysia, and Australia, and has delivered several keynote presentations at international conferences.

 

Speech Title: AI Readiness in Question: Rethinking Higher Education’s Global Response to AI

 

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in higher education, with universities positioning themselves as AI ready through strategies, policies, and integration into teaching, learning, and research. While this signals progress, questions remain about the depth and coherence of this readiness. Drawing from my ongoing research over the past three years, I examine the alignment between institutional aspirations and the realities of AI implementation. Although universities are advancing innovation, key dimensions such as human capability, sustainability, and ethical governance remain unevenly developed. I also highlight the importance of inclusion, including diverse knowledge systems and perspectives, in shaping meaningful AI integration. Situated within the context of smart education and data driven innovation, I will present a multidimensional understanding of readiness that emphasises organisational coherence, capacity building, and responsible practiceprepare for meaningful and responsible digital transformation in the higher education sector.