Higher Education Tracks

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

9:30 am - 10:15 am The Future of AI in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on higher education is growing, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. AI has the potential to transform how education is delivered, from personalized learning pathways to predictive analytics that enhance student success. However, implementing AI in educational systems also comes with critical considerations around ethics, equity, and data privacy. 

This session will explore the future of AI in higher education, focusing on: 

  •  How AI can drive personalized learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and improve student retention through data-driven insights. 
  • Addressing concerns around bias in AI algorithms, ensuring equitable access to AI-powered tools, and maintaining academic integrity in an AI-enhanced learning environment 
  • Exploring the balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and safeguarding student data, privacy, and autonomy 
  •  Practical approaches to integrating AI technologies within the higher education landscape while mitigating risks and promoting positive outcomes

11:30 am - 12:15 pm Ensuring ROI on EdTech Investments in Higher Education

As institutions invest in education technology, ensuring a strong return on investment (ROI) is vital for long-term success and sustainability. With the right strategy, edtech can enhance student outcomes, streamline operations, and drive institutional growth. But how can universities make sure their edtech investments are paying off? This session will explore: 

  • Measuring student engagement, retention, and outcomes using data-driven insights to track technology's effectiveness 
  • Ensuring that educational technology supports the institution's strategic objectives, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing the learning experience 
  • Strategies for leveraging edtech to optimize spending, improve resource management, and lower operational costs without compromising on quality 
  • Best practices for continuously assessing technology performance and making adjustments to ensure maximum ROI 

12:25 pm - 1:05 pm Maximizing Efficiency in Higher Education: Doing More with Less

Higher education institutions face growing demands to deliver exceptional educational experiences while managing limited resources. Increasing efficiency has become essential for achieving institutional goals, improving student outcomes, and navigating fiscal constraints. By embracing innovative strategies and leveraging technology, institutions can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and ensure quality education. Join this session to explore: 

  • Utilizing tools like AI, automation, and analytics to reduce administrative burdens and enhance decision-making 
  • Strategies for maximizing the impact of existing resources, from faculty time to financial investments, without compromising outcomes 
  • Techniques such as adaptive learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and efficient course design to deliver high-quality education
  • Identifying and addressing inefficiencies in the student lifecycle, from application to graduation, to improve engagement and retention 

2:10 pm - 2:45 pm Bridging the AI Skills Gap: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

As AI continues to transform industries, higher education institutions must adapt to equip students with the skills needed for an AI-driven workforce. From data literacy and prompt engineering to ethical AI decision-making, universities must rethink curricula, career services, and industry partnerships to ensure graduates remain competitive. In this session, panelists will discuss:  

  • Identifying the essential AI-related skills students need across disciplines, from technical proficiency to AI ethics and critical thinking 
  • Strategies for integrating AI education into curricula, including interdisciplinary programs, micro-credentials, and experiential learning opportunities 
  • Collaborating with industry partners to align educational programs with workforce needs, ensuring graduates are prepared for AI-enhanced careers 
  • Addressing challenges in faculty upskilling, curriculum design, and student engagement in AI-related coursework 

2:45 pm - 3:25 pm AI-Powered Assessment and Feedback Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way assessments and feedback are handled in higher education. By integrating AI into the grading and feedback process, institutions can create more efficient, personalized, and objective systems that enhance the overall learning experience for students. This session will explore how AI-driven systems are automating routine assessment tasks, allowing educators to focus on more critical aspects of teaching while ensuring timely and accurate feedback for learners. Topics covered include: 

  • How AI is transforming traditional assessments through automated grading, reducing instructor workload, and ensuring consistent and fair evaluations 
  • The role of AI in generating personalized feedback that addresses individual student needs, promotes deeper learning, and provides actionable insights for improvement 
  • Using AI-driven analytics to track student performance trends over time, enabling early identification of learning gaps and supporting data-driven interventions 
  • Best practices for integrating AI assessment tools while maintaining academic integrity and addressing ethical concerns, such as bias in AI algorithms and student data privacy 

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Higher Education Technology: Choosing the Right Solutions

Selecting the right education technology solutions is crucial for driving student success, improving faculty productivity, and enhancing institutional outcomes. With an overwhelming number of tools and platforms available, buyers must approach the decision-making process strategically. This session will guide higher education leaders through key considerations when choosing edtech solutions, including:  

  • How to align technology choices with your institution's goals, whether to enhance learning, streamline administrative tasks, or increase student engagement  
  • Ensuring that the technology can grow with the institution and integrate seamlessly with existing systems, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Student Information Systems (SIS)  
  • Understanding the importance of compliance with regulations like FERPA and maintaining the security of student data in a digital ecosystem  
  • Developing metrics to evaluate the success of technology solutions in terms of academic outcomes, user satisfaction, and financial efficiency