Topic:  Beyond the Hypes of GenAI in Education to Real-world Contributions

Date and Time: 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM in GMT+8, November 14th, 2024

Abstract

The shiny allure of recent AI developments has been making headlines in recent years with the popularisation of large language models. Yet, the full potential of AI in educational research and practice remains largely untapped. This talk will navigate the confluence of Learning Sciences and AI, delving into three distinct conceptualizations of AI in educational research and practice. By drawing upon robust research evidence, I will unpack the benefits and limitations of each conceptualisation, painting a nuanced picture of how AI can be harnessed, grounded in our deep understanding of human learning processes and human values. The talk will conclude that against many tech leaders arguments, genAI solutions on their own are unlikely to revolutionise or democratise education. The journey of such changes is more than a tech challenge; it’s a human and ecosystem one. And as we make strides, we should not be losing focus on what matters the most and how our research can contribute to it.

Speaker

Mutlu CUKUROVA, Professor, University College London, UK

Speaker’s short bio

Mutlu Cukurova is Professor of Learning and Artificial Intelligence at University College London. Prof. Cukurova investigates the potential of AI to understand and support human learning with a particular interest in “learning how to learn” and solving complex problems collaboratively. His work emphasises human-AI complementarity, aiming to address the pressing socio-educational challenge of preparing people for a future with AI systems. Prof. Cukurova is the Director of the UCLAT team and works with UNESCO’s Unit for Technology and AI in Education as an external expert. He contributed to numerous policymaking documents including UNESCO’s recent report on Guidance for generative AI in education and research and led the report on UNESCO AI competency frameworks for teachers and students. He was the programme chair of the International Conference of AI in Education in 2020, currently serving as the editor of the British Journal of Educational Technology and an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction.