Experts at the 22nd International Learning and Technology Conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between humans and machines for fostering sustainability and innovation in education.
Hosted by Effat University in Jeddah, the conference, themed Human-Machine Dynamics: Fueling a Sustainable Future, explored how technology can address global issues such as climate change and resource scarcity.
The event showcased the transformative power of human-machine collaboration in education, highlighting innovative methods that blend human insight with machine intelligence to tackle sustainability challenges.
The two-day conference included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that focused on the latest advancements in human-machine dynamics.
Keynote speakers included Dina Hasan Al-Nahdy from CES Consulting, Professor Mohammed-Slim Alouini from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Ahmed Hassan, president of Elsewedy University of Technology.
Al-Nahdy’s talk, “Technological Innovations for Sustainability,” emphasized the need to utilize technology effectively to reduce emissions by converting them into energy.
Alouini discussed connecting the unconnected, while Hassan focused on the role of generative AI in contributing to sustainable development goals.
Dr. Haifa Jamalallail, president of Effat University, announced that 70 papers were accepted for the conference from over 100 submissions worldwide, underscoring the university’s commitment to sustainability.
She stated that sustainability requires actionable steps, with academia collaborating with governments and industries to reduce emissions.
Jamalallail highlighted Effat University’s role in integrating learning and technology to promote sustainability.
Conference chair Akila Sarirete noted the event’s history since 2002 and its focus on innovative areas such as human-machine interfaces, sustainable education, and AI’s role in health and environmental well-being.
This year’s conference also featured a high school competition titled Human-Machine Fusion, where Pakistan International School Jeddah won first and second prizes, followed by International Indian School Jeddah in third place.