Johannes Cronjé - AI for HE in the Commonwealth

Call for Participation: AI in Higher Education in Commonwealth Countries

Online, Tuesday 31 March

Exploring the Future of Learning with Artificial Intelligence

We are delighted to invite educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from Commonwealth countries to participate in a focused two-hour online symposium on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education. This symposium aims to foster dialogue, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities across the Commonwealth. The symposium will be run three times on Tuesday 31 March to enable access throughout the Commonwealth. This symposia form an integral part of a research project undertaken by the Commonwealth of Learning, aimed at understanding the landscape and implications of AI in higher education within the Commonwealth. We are pleased to confirm that ethics clearance has been obtained for this research, ensuring all discussions and data collection adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Click here to register for free

Symposium Details:

• Date: Tuesday 31 March 2026

• Time:

Slot 1: (Asia Pacific) UTC+0: 05:00 - 07:00; Singapore: 13:00 - 15:00; Sydney: 16:00 - 18:00; Auckland: 18:00 - 20:00; Cape Town: 07:00 – 09:00
Slot 2: (Europe, Africa, South Asia) UTC+0: 09:00 - 11:00; London: 09:00 - 11:00; Lagos: 10:00 - 12:00; Cape Town: 11:00 – 13:00; Nairobi: 12:00 - 14:00; New Delhi: 14:30 - 16:30
Slot 3: (Americas) UTC+0: 16:00 - 18:00; Vancouver: 09:00 - 11:00; Kingston: 11:00 - 13:00; Toronto: 12:00 - 14:00; Cape Town: 18:00 – 20:00

• Platform: Online via Zoom (Details to be provided upon registration)

• Duration: 2 Hours

Themes for Discussion:

The symposium will be structured around four pivotal themes, derived from a comprehensive analysis of AI in Education:

1. Core Areas and Definitions of AI for Higher Education

This theme will delve into the fundamental understanding of AI in education, examining its definition as both a technological domain and an academic discipline. Discussions will cover its interdisciplinary nature and its pervasive role across the lifelong learning continuum within higher education settings.

2. Key Issues and Research Priorities in AI for Higher Education

Participants will explore the leading research agendas and implementation challenges facing AI in higher education. This includes pedagogical grounding (e.g., learning theories, adaptive systems), practical implementation hurdles (e.g., technical infrastructure, teacher AI literacy), and critical ethical considerations (e.g., data privacy, algorithmic bias, academic integrity).

3. AIEd Technologies and Solutions

This session will showcase the practical applications and emerging technological solutions in AIEd. We will discuss generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, LLMs), advanced instructional systems (e.g., intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics), and innovative learning environments (e.g., smart classrooms, Metaverse/VR/AR applications).

4. Research Landscape and Bibliometrics of AIEd

This theme will provide an overview of the current state and future directions of AIEd research, particularly within Commonwealth countries. Discussions will encompass growth and geographical trends, prevalent methodological patterns, and the crucial role of various stakeholders, including pre-service teacher training, higher education institutions, and industry retraining initiatives.

Who Should Participate?

We encourage participation from:

• University faculty and researchers

• Educational technologists and instructional designers

• Policy makers and administrators in higher education

• Industry leaders and developers in AI and education

• Students and postgraduate researchers interested in AIEd

Click here to register for free