Our first seminar will be led by Dr Serdar Abaci from University of Edinburgh who will give a talk on ‘Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Education: Perspectives on Pedagogy Development’.

Seminar details and registration link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-for-inclusive-education-perspectives-on-pedagogy-development-tickets-1220754071289

Seminar programme:
9:30am – 9:35am (UK time): Introduction by Dr Vanessa Cui
9:35am – 10:15am (UK time): Keynote by Dr Serdar Abaci
10:15am – 10:45am (UK time): Panel discussion by Dr Nguyen Van Hien (Hanoi National University of Education), Dr Trang Thi Thu Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Professor David Brown (Nottingham Trent University) and Dr Serdar Abaci, chaired by Dr Vanessa Cui
10:45am – 11:00am (UK time): Q&A and conclusion

Keynote abstract: Recent advances in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) have made it into many aspects of our lives. AI is touted to potentially transform education in many ways, for example, making it more inclusive. However, the integration of AI in education presents both challenges and opportunities. In this talk I will explore the potential role of AI technologies to support inclusive pedagogies with human-centred approaches. I will share insights from an ongoing project that in which we collaborate with teachers in Scottish secondary schools to develop resources and enhance AI literacy. Additionally, I will situate AI literacy in the broader context of digital competencies for teachers and students in an ecosystem of curriculum, teacher professional learning, and policy, presenting Scotland as an example case.

Keynote speaker biography:

Dr Serdar Abaci is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Data and Digital Literacies at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. He teaches course on Digital Literacies and Pedagogies across initial teacher education programmes. He also leads impact evaluation for the Data Education in Schools project, whose mission is to educate teachers in South East Scotland about data literacy. His current projects include “Understanding Teacher Digital Competencies in Post-Covid World” and “AI in Secondary Schools: Resource Development and Teacher Professional Learning”. His research focus also includes formative assessment and feedback, online learning, and adoption of teaching and learning technologies in K-12 and Higher Education contexts. He has published many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on teacher/faculty technology use and professional development.

As an active member of the academic community, Dr Abaci serves as co-convener of the Digital Education Network at the Scottish Educational Research Association and is a member of the College of Reviewers for the British Educational Research Association. Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, Dr Abaci has held various academic positions, including Research Associate at Newcastle University (UK) and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Bloomington (USA), where he earned his doctoral degree.