Generative AI symposium: the impact on higher education
Feb 25, 2025 — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a full-day symposium dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of Generative AI on higher education. This event will bring together thought leaders, educators, and technology experts to discuss the latest advancements, practical applications, and ethical considerations of AI in academia.
Generative AI is revolutionizing various sectors, and higher education is no exception. This symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of how AI technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical applications of AI, ethical considerations, and future trends that will shape the educational landscape.
Brought to you by Information Technology and Teaching and Learning Supprt Service (TLSS).
Agenda
- Welcoming and Introduction (8:30-8:45 A.M.)
Speaker: Daniel Trottier, Deputy Chief Information Officer
Kick off the symposium with an overview of generative AI and its profound impact on higher education. Learn about the goals of the symposium and what to expect throughout the day.
- Keynote Presentation: The Exponential Impact of AI on Education (9:00-9:30 A.M.)
Speaker: Mark Roman, InfoTech
Discover how generative AI is driving exponential change in education and how institutions are adapting to these advancements.
- Panel Discussion: Generative AI in Action (9:45-10:30 A.M.)
Panelists: Faculty members, instructional designers, IT staff, and students.
Moderator: University AI Committee member
Explore real-world examples of generative AI in teaching, research, and administration. Engage in an open Q&A session with the panelists.
- Networking Break (10:30-11:00 AM)
Take a break to network with p and visit various booths showcasing AI tools, projects and demonstrations.
- Session: AI for Teaching and Learning (11:00-11:45 AM)
Speaker: Bruno Poellhuber
Learn how to leverage generative AI for lesson planning, content creation, and grading. Discover tools for personalized student engagement.
Lunch Break (12:00-1:00 PM)
- Session: AI Ethics and Policy Development (1:00-1:45 PM)
Speaker: Professor Channarong Intahchomphoo
Discuss the ethical implications of AI, including bias, academic integrity, and responsible use. Learn about drafting institutional policies for AI usage in education.
- Session: AI in Research and Innovation (2:00-2:45 PM)
Speaker: Kimberly Nault
Explore the use of AI for literature reviews, data analysis, and academic writing. Understand collaboration and copyright considerations.
Coffee Break (2:45-3:30 PM)
- Demo and Hands-On Workshop: Generative AI Tools for Higher Ed (3:30-4:00 PM)
Facilitator: Professor Umar Ruhi
Participate in a live demonstration of popular AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and DALL·E. Engage in hands-on practice with guidance.
- Closing Plenary: Preparing for an AI-Enhanced Future (4:15-4:30 PM)
Speaker: AI Advisory Committee Chair or Higher Ed Expert
Recap key takeaways and discuss the road ahead for integrating AI ethically and effectively in higher education.
Networking and Refreshments (4:30-5:00 PM)
Booth Setups
- Quality analysis with AI
- M365 Copilots
- Hubert for TLSS
- Image Generation with AI
- M365 Copilot Summarizing Documents
- Resumé screening
- Data manipulation
- Presentation creation
- Writing Support
- QA Use Cases & coding Use Cases
- uOttawa Chatbots (HR Chatbot, Health and Wellness Chatbot)
- Fine-Tuning of GPT Mode
Mark Roman
Managing Partner for Education - Info-Tech Research Group
Mark Roman is the Managing Partner for Education at Info-Tech Research Group and works with members throughout the higher education and K-12 sectors around the world. As a global Managing Partner, he is responsible for the delivery of Info-Tech services to members and the alignment of research with the education sector's needs. Prior to joining Info-Tech, Mark was an accomplished higher education Chief Information Officer with extensive experience leading large-scale information systems departments and has a consistent record of implementing significant and innovative digital transformations.
Bruno Poellhuber
Professor - University of Montréal
Bruno Poellhuber is a professor at the education science faculty of Université de Montréal. He is director of the Centre de pédagogie universitaire and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire sur l’intégration pédagogique des TIC. His research interests are directed towards the use of technological tools to enhance collaboration, teaching, and learning in the CEGEP and university contexts.
Channarong Intahchomphoo
Adjunct Professor - Faculty of Engineering
Channarong Intahchomphoo is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa. He has been teaching graduate courses, including Ethics for Design, AI, and Robotics and Research Project on Responsible AI and Robotics.
He studies the real-world impacts of AI, with a focus on underserved communities across the globe, particularly Indigenous peoples, low-resource migrants and refugees, and low-income individuals. He also helps engineers, policy makers, and business leaders put social responsibility into their AI practices, ensuring these systems align with human values and serve the greater good.
Kimberley Nault
Professor - Faculty of Engineering
Kimberley Nault is a PhD candidate in the Digital Transformation and Innovation program at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on human-AI collaboration and the transformative potential of AI tools for individuals and organizations. She's passionate about harnessing AI and emerging technologies in ethical, value-driven ways that empower users and foster meaningful, impactful interactions. Alongside her research, Kimberley teaches an undergraduate course on applications of business technology and an introductory graduate course on interdisciplinary research methods as a part-time professor.
Umar Ruhi
Associate Professor - Telfer School of Management
Dr. Ruhi has a PhD in Information Systems & Management Science from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Prior to his PhD. At Telfer, he teaches various undergraduate (B.Com) and graduate (MBA) courses in Information Systems and Digital Enterprise Strategy. Additionally, he teaches in the University’s interdisciplinary M.Sc. and PhD programs in E-Business Technologies. Umar’s research interests lie at the intersection of Information Systems and Knowledge Management, and his research programs are concerned with exploring contemporary information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their applications in human, organizational, and social contexts.