The rapid rise of Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping teaching and learning in higher education. Universities are racing to integrate AI into their digital transformation strategies, with initial concerns focused on academic integrity now expanding to include topics such as AI literacy, ethics, misinformation, and data security. More recently, attention has shifted to potential challenges such as cognitive offloading and maintaining active learning in AI-driven environments. Amid these developments, much of the discourse is driven by hype from EdTech, government bodies, and sometimes higher education itself. Promises of personalised learning, AI-powered analytics, automated grading, and AI tutors are often highlighted, but they frequently overshadow established pedagogical-technological knowledge and ignore diverse institutional needs. Equitable and accessible education, especially for students with disabilities, must remain a priority in AI adoption.

This panel will critically assess the current state of AI in higher education, distinguishing between practical innovations and overblown expectations. Experts will explore how collaborations like the Digital Education Council (DEC) and the recently established Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance (CPLA) can help institutions develop informed, context-sensitive AI strategies. The discussion will also address broader trends, such as the shift to remote learning post-COVID, the rise of skills-based education, and the growing focus on digitisation in shaping future cyber-physical learning environments.

Biographies

Héctor G. Ceballos

Dr Héctor G. Ceballos is Director of the Living Lab & Data Hub of the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE) at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico. He was previously head of the Scientometrics Office at the Research Vice-Rectory of Tecnologico de Monterrey for 18 years. Dr Ceballos received a master’s degree and doctorate degree in Intelligent Systems from Tecnologico de Monterrey in 2010. He is currently a faculty member of the university’s Computer Science Graduate Program (DCC) and is ascribed to the IFE's Research Unit on Engaging and Motivating Learning Models. Dr Ceballos is a member of the Mexican National System of Researcher (SNI) and an adherent member of the Mexican Academy of Computing (AMEXCOMP). He is an Organizing Committee Chair of the Special Interest Group in Learning Analytics in Latin America (LALA-SIG), the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SOLAR), and a member of the QS EduData Summit Advisory Committee. His main research interests include machine learning, data science, process mining, and causality, applied to research and learning analytics. He has authored more than 70 papers in journals and conferences worldwide and has worked as an expert consultant for bank and IT companies.

Kenneth Lo

Dr Kenneth Lo is Director of the Office of Digital Learning and leads Cyber-Physical Learning (CPL) innovations at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore. His research involves digital learning technologies, innovative pedagogies, and ethics. Under the CPL Lab, Dr Lo is innovating and developing competency, tools, and systems for the future of education and sustainability in order to advance SUTD as a future-ready university that nurtures lifelong tertiary learners and innovators with its recent Education Design.AI.Technology (D.AI.Tech) initiative. Dr Lo has extensive experience in technology innovations, predictive machine learning, and designing engineering systems.

Danny Bielik

Danny Bielik is the President of the Digital Education Council in Singapore and is passionate about access to high quality education and the positive impact that technology can have to achieve this. His work currently involves assisting universities and governments to better understand governance approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. He believes that institutions of higher education should embrace datafication as one strategy to create stickier and more value-driven relationships with industry.

Mr Bielik has over 25 years of experience in leadership positions in higher education and technical and vocational training (TVET) organisations. He has extensive experience in strategy development, governance, and partnerships in higher education having run three tertiary organisations, as a director at peak bodies and serving as Ministerial Adviser in Education to the New South Wales Government in Australia.

Sean McMinn (Moderator)

Dr Sean McMinn is the Director of the Center for Education Innovation at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong. Previously, he served as Associate Professor and Director of the English Language Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2020-2022) and held various academic roles at HKUST, including Associate Professor of Language Education and Co-Academic Director of the MA in International Language Education programme. As an early adopter of educational technologies, he has led initiatives in AI in education, blended learning, and fully online teaching modes. He currently serves on several international committees, including the AI and Education International Panel, Digital Education Council, Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance, and EduTech Asia organising committee.

About the Presenter(s)
-Dr Héctor G. Ceballos is Director of the Living Lab & Data Hub of the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE) at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico.
-Dr Kenneth Lo is Director of the Office of Digital Learning and leads Cyber-Physical Learning (CPL) innovations at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore.
-Danny Bielik is the President of the Digital Education Council in Singapore and is passionate about access to high quality education and the positive impact that technology can have to achieve this.
-Dr Sean McMinn is the Director of the Center for Education Innovation at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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