The World Education Research Association (WERA) International Research Network (IRN) on Digital Academic Leadership in the New Era hosted a thematic webinar on “Educational Leadership and AI Integration: Navigating Change and Innovation” on 18 Dec.2024, drawing 48 participants from around the world. The event launched a new series focused on understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and its implications for academic leadership.
The session opened with an introduction by Prof. dr. Chang Zhu, Director of the EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Director of the LEAD Academic Network. Since May 2024, ECHE coordinates as convenors for the WERA IRN on Digital Academic Leadership in the New Era. Prof. Zhu emphasized the significance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by AI, framing the event as a pivotal step in fostering innovation and ethical practices in academic leadership.
Three keynote speeches explored AI integration in education from complementary perspectives, sparking thought-provoking dialogue among attendees.
Marijke Van Vlasselaer, an Education (G)AI Specialist at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, delivered a presentation on “Transforming Teaching and Assessment with the Use of AI.” She highlighted the opportunities AI offers in advancing research and teaching, showcasing its potential to revolutionize educational practices. Her talk also addressed the importance of ethical considerations, offering a structured set of guidelines to ensure AI is used responsibly and effectively in academic contexts.
Prof. dr. Yasar Kondakci of Middle East Technical University, Turkey, examined the systemic changes AI demands from educational leadership in his presentation “AI in Higher Education: Is it a Technology Integration Task as Usual or a Comprehensive Transformational Change Practice for Academic Leaders?” He argued that AI integration is not merely a technical challenge but a holistic transformation requiring strategic planning, adaptive policies, and leadership that embraces continuous change.
Finally, Prof. dr. Marcin Górski from the Silesian University of Technology, Poland, presented “Challenges in University Education in the Context of AI Advances.” He analyzed the impact of AI on students, identifying both opportunities and significant challenges. Drawing from his institution’s practices, Prof. Górski shared examples of how universities can embrace change through proactive adaptation and support mechanisms tailored to students’ needs.
Following the keynote speeches, participants engaged in group discussions, reflecting on the challenges and best practices associated with AI integration in education. The conversations revolved around key themes such as the ethical use of AI, the importance of transparency in its application, and strategies for fostering critical thinking skills as a cornerstone of talent cultivation in an AI-driven era. Participants also emphasized the need for professional development programs and international networking to share effective strategies and resources.
This thematic webinar marked a significant milestone in fostering global dialogue on AI in education. As the WERA IRN on Digital Academic Leadership in the New Era prepares to continue its webinar series in 2025, the network looks forward to deepening international collaboration and driving innovation in academic leadership. By connecting educators, researchers, and policymakers, the IRN aims to equip institutions with the tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving educational landscape, ensuring AI is harnessed ethically and effectively to transform teaching, learning, and leadership practices worldwide.
