Prof. XiaoLi Li (IEEE Fellow, AAIA Fellow), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence and bioinformatics

Dr. Li Xiaoli is the Department Head and Principal Scientist of the Machine Intellection (MI) department at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore. He also holds adjunct full professor position at School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University. He has been a member of ITSC (Information Technology Standards Committee) from ESG Singapore and IMDA since 2020 and has served as joint lab directors with a few major industry partners. He holds the title of IEEE Fellow and is also recognised as a Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA).

Dr. Li  also served as a health innovation expert panel member for the Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as an AI advisor for the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting his extensive involvement in key Government and industry initiatives.

His research interests include AI, data mining, machine learning, and bioinformatics.  He has been serving as the Chair of many leading AI/data mining/machine learning related conferences & workshops (including KDD, ICDM, SDM, PKDD/ECML, ACML, PAKDD, WWW, IJCAI, AAAI, ACL, and CIKM). He currently serves as editor-in-chief of Annual Review of Artificial Intelligence, and associate editor of Knowledge and Information Systems, and Machine Learning with Applications (Elsevier).

Title: Empowering Online Learning with AI: Personalization, Prediction, and Productivity

Abstract: The rapid growth of online learning platforms has produced vast amounts of educational data, opening new frontiers for enhancing teaching and learning through artificial intelligence (AI). This talk discusses how recent AI advancements can be harnessed to deliver more personalized, effective, and scalable learning experiences. We highlight three key research directions: Knowledge Tracing, which models a student's evolving understanding from their interactions; Early Prediction of Student Performance, which helps identify at-risk learners based on behavioral data; and Knowledge Component Detection, which uncovers patterns of student errors in mathematical reasoning. In addition, we will introduce recent work on automated grading systems to reduce teachers' workload, and a competition organized by AAAI that challenges participants to use large language models (LLMs) to solve math problems. The presentation will also feature a GenAI-supported dialogical learning framework for mathematics, as illustrated in the attached slides. This framework uses GPT to guide students through structured inquiry tasks such as understanding math word problems, selecting and completing models, carrying out calculations, and reflecting on solutions.

Prof. Xiangen Hu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

Mathematical Psychology, Research Design and Statistics, and Cognitive Psychology

Prof HU Xiangen obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, both in Applied Mathematics from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1982 and 1985 respectively. He also received his Master of Arts degree in Social Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cognitive Psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 1991 and 1993 respectively. Prof HU took up an Assistant Professorship at The University of Memphis in 1993 and was promoted to Associate Prof in 2000 and Prof in the Department of Psychology in 2009. Meanwhile, Prof HU has been appointed Prof and Dean of the School of Psychology in the Central China Normal University since 2016 on a visiting basis where he has established good connections with the Chinese mainland. He joined PolyU in Dec 2023 as Director of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development.

Prof HU's research areas include Mathematical Psychology, Research Design and Statistics, and Cognitive Psychology. As an active researcher, Prof HU has secured significant research grants from various funding agencies, including the US National Science Foundation, US Institute for Education Sciences, US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, US Army Research Laboratories and US Office of Naval Research.

Title: Beyond Algorithms: Integrating Human Wisdom and Advanced AI in Education

Abstract: Advanced artificial intelligence (AI), exemplified by generative models like Grok 4, is transforming education by providing deep reasoning, personalized learning experiences, and autonomous decision-making capabilities. Yet, effective educational practices cannot be achieved by AI alone; genuine transformation depends significantly on integrating AI with Human Wisdom (HW)—educators' passion, creativity, judgment, and ethical awareness.This talk will explicitly convey three core ideas: AI alone isn't pedagogy—teachers remain essential. Turn AI "hallucinations" into teachable moments. Human wisdom plus AI equals educational innovation. Technical issues in AI, notably "hallucinations" or generated inaccuracies, present valuable pedagogical opportunities. Proper instructional design can transform these errors into teachable moments, promoting students' critical thinking, inquiry, and verification skills. It is critical to recognize that AI technology itself does not constitute pedagogy. Meaningful educational practices rely fundamentally on educators' nuanced understanding of student needs, flexible teaching approaches, and empathy. While AI will undoubtedly reshape teachers' roles towards guidance, mentorship, and curriculum innovation, educators' core contributions will be enhanced rather than diminished, fostering an educational environment rich in intelligent human-AI collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay, Faculty of Education, Near East University, North Cyprus

developing critical friends and skills online with international perspectives and practices, participation in online learning, online learning readiness of higher education institutions, education and distance education practices of disabled individuals in the pandemic period, open education resources, MOOCs, barrier-free tourism, and education

Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay has been teaching undergraduate courses in educational instructional technologies and material design, classroom management, ethics in education, social responsibility, scientific research methods, and more since 2002.   She also teaches postgraduate courses such as project management, education management, contemporary education supervision, and society, culture, and education. Dr. Altinay is a full-time faculty member at Near East University, North Cyprus, working scientifically and administratively on issues such as higher education boards, multiculturalism, quality studies, strategic planning, unimpeded informatics, and smart society.   Prof. Dr. Altınay is the vice director of the Graduate Education Institute, the chair of the Center for Social Research and Development, and the head of the Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department and Computer Education and Instructional Technologies.   She is also an editor and referee for international journals and books.  

Title: Importance of Social Projects by the Support of Artificial Intelligence for People with Disabilities

Abstract: This study aims to explore the importance of artificial intelligence for people with disabilities. For the quality of education, equal access for everyone is essential. Decreasing inequalities and focusing on social projects to increase the importance of universal values are social agent roles of higher education. In this respect, social projects for the people with disabilities are important facilitators for the quality of education based on inclusiveness.

Prof. Heng Luo, Central China Normal University, China

Case-based instruction, educational technology, MOOC, Learning Analytics

Prof. Heng Luo received his Ph.D. degree in Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation from Syracuse University, and worked as a Research Associate at John A. Dutton e-Education Institute in the Pennsylvania State University for two years. He is currently a Professor and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Central China Normal University. His research focuses on the effective integration of learning sciences, instructional design, and technologies.

Title: Using VR To Enhance Drowning Prevention Education for Children: Reflection from the Instructional Design Perspective

Abstract: How can we meaningfully integrate immersive technologies like Virtual Reality into drowning prevention education for children? This presentation centers on a VR-based drowning prevention program implemented in a Chinese primary school, highlighting the underlying instructional design rationale and practical implementation details. We analyzed recent national drowning data and engaged in-depth discussions with rescue experts to identify students’ core learning needs in terms of drowning prevention attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Based on these insights, we designed immersive learning tasks tailored to the cognitive characteristics of upper elementary school students. This presentation will focus on the following key aspects: how to achieve optimal integration between technology and instructional methods; how to effectively structure learning activities to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes; and how to design assessment tools that effectively measure attitudes, knowledge, and skills. This session invites participants to reflect on how immersive media can be thoughtfully designed and implemented in K–12 safety education.