A panel discussion under way during AI Week at the American University of Sharjah.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Aligning with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) 2031, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) has recently wrapped up its AI Week, marking the launch of an AI Hub dedicated to enhancing the educational environment.

The AI Hub is a digital space dedicated to advancing AI education within the AUS community. It supports projects that incorporate AI into teaching and learning, fostering personalised educational experiences and promoting collaborative engagement among educators, students and researchers. Additionally, the hub encourages AI-focused research to continually push the boundaries of educational innovation at AUS.

AI Week featured keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops centred on the transformative power of AI in education. Topics ranged from 'GenAI: Ignore it or Embrace it?' to 'Leveraging Interactive AI for Teaching and Learning,' offering thought-provoking perspectives on the role of AI in shaping the future of education.

"AI Week embodies our collective pursuit of innovation in education. It's about cultivating an ecosystem where AI catalyses profound changes in teaching methodologies, learning experiences, and academic research. Through collaborative efforts like the AI Hub, we forge pathways to a future where every student's potential is unlocked and education transcends conventional boundaries," said Dr. Norita Ahmad, Director of CITL.

Panel discussions delved into critical issues such as the challenges of Generative AI in Higher Education and strategies for effectively integrating AI into academic settings. Workshops allowed participants to explore AI applications, from Gen AI for researchers to interactive sessions with AI professors, thus gaining practical skills and insights into AI's transformative potential in education.

The AI exhibition showcased cutting-edge technologies and solutions from leading organisations such as Casio, Urbi, Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, +twe, Saal.ai, Klickdata and almalearning.ai.

A valuable resource for AUS faculty and staff, the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at AUS aligns with the university's vision of global recognition for outstanding and innovative teaching and learning practices, leading to positive impact on the region and beyond. To learn more about the centre, visit www.aus.edu/citl.

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognised by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.

AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace its dynamic campus life and embody its ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.