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The 22nd International Learning and Technology Conference, hosted by Effat University in Jeddah, emphasized the critical role of collaboration between humans and machines in advancing sustainability and educational innovation. Under the theme “Human-Machine Dynamics: Fueling a Sustainable Future,” the two-day event gathered experts to explore how technology can be leveraged to tackle global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. Transforming Education with Human-Machine Dynamics The conference focused on how human insights combined with machine intelligence can drive transformative change in education while addressing sustainability challenges. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops highlighted the latest advancements in human-machine dynamics, emphasizing the potential to reshape education and sustainability efforts globally. Keynote Speakers Share Vision for Sustainability The inaugural session featured prominent keynote speakers: Dina Hasan Al-Nahdy, chair of CES Consulting; Mohammed-Slim Alouini, Al-Khawarizmi Distinguished Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; and Ahmed Hassan, President of Elsewedy University of Technology. In her address, “Technological Innovations for Sustainability,” Al-Nahdy stressed the importance of technology in reducing emissions, stating, “Technology is the heartbeat of driving sustainability” and advocating for capturing emissions before they pollute the atmosphere and converting them into energy. Alouini’s speech, “Towards Connecting the Remaining Unconnected,” and Hassan’s address on “Generative AI for University Contributions to SDGs” highlighted the role of technological advancements in achieving sustainability goals. Effat University’s Commitment to Sustainability Effat University President, Dr. Haifa Jamalallail, highlighted the institution’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and its role in addressing climate change. She revealed that the conference reviewed 70 papers out of 117 submissions from 330 authors and researchers worldwide. Jamalallail emphasized the importance of academia collaborating with governments and industries to reduce emissions and promote sustainability, stating, “Sustainability is not only a word but an action that needs to be taken into account.” She added that technology plays a significant role in reducing emissions, aligning Effat University’s mission with global sustainability goals. A Tradition of Innovation in Learning and Technology Conference Chair and Dean of Effat College of Engineering, Akila Sarirete, highlighted the university’s longstanding tradition of organizing the conference since 2002. She noted that this year’s discussions provided fresh insights into integrating advanced technologies into educational frameworks, covering topics such as human-machine interfaces, smart campuses, and artificial intelligence’s role in health and environmental well-being. High School Competition Encourages Innovation The event also featured a high school competition themed “Human-Machine Fusion,” with 30 local schools participating. Students from Pakistan International School Jeddah secured both first and second place, while third place went to International Indian School Jeddah. The conference served as a platform to discuss how the synergy between humans and machines can pave the way for a sustainable future, integrating innovative educational frameworks with cutting-edge technology solutions. |
