The 3rd International
Symposium on Generative AI and Education
(ISGAIE'26)

May 20-22, 2026
 Higher Normal School (ENSC), Casablanca, Morocco

Hybrid Symposium: In-person and Virtual

Keynotes

Keynote #1

Title: Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field and deals with simulating human behavior and decision making with the use of machines (computers). AI is rapidly becoming a transformative force in almost all aspects of our society including higher education. Use of AI in higher education is reshaping the landscape of teaching, learning, research, and management in higher education institutions around the world. Higher education institutions are adapting to use AI as a tool for higher efficiency and increased productivity. AI-driven data analytics facilitate early identification of at-risk students, supporting timely interventions and improved retention rates. However, the increasing reliance on AI poses concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and human interactions within academic environments. Integration of AI must be guided by ethical considerations, and ongoing professional development for educators. In this presentation, we will discuss the scope of AI’s impact on higher education. The impact of AI will be divided in three categories; aspects of AI that are perceived to be positive, aspects of AI that are perceived to be negative, and aspects of AI that are perceived to be neutral.

 

Dr. Mohammad Ilyas
College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, USA

Dr. Mohammad Ilyas is a Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. He has been with the College since 1983. From 1994 to 2000, he was Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He served as Associate Dean for Research for the College from 2002 through 2011, and as Dean of the College from 2011 to 2017. From July 2004 to September 2005, he also served the University as Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies.

Dr. Ilyas has earned four academic degrees from four different countries. He received his B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, in 1976. In 1978, he was awarded a scholarship for his graduate studies and he completed his MS degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in June 1980 at Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. In September 1980, he joined the doctoral program at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He completed his Ph.D. degree Electrical Engineering in 1983. His doctoral research was about switching and flow control techniques in computer communication networks. In 2015, he earned his second Ph.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education, from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. His doctoral research for his second doctoral degree was about globalization and higher education.

Dr. Ilyas has conducted successful research in the field of computer communication networks. His current research interests include wireless sensor networks, Internet of Things, smart systems, artificial intelligence, healthcare technologies. performance modeling, simulation, and impact of globalization on higher education. He has published one book, 26 handbooks, and over 260 research articles. He has supervised 18 Ph.D. dissertations and 38 M.S. theses to completion. He is currently supervising a group of 6 doctoral students. He has been a consultant to several national and international organizations. Dr. Ilyas is an active participant in several IEEE Technical committees and activities.

Dr. Ilyas is a Life Senior Member of IEEE, Fellow of IIIS, and was listed as a Fulbright Specialist from June 2017 to June 2022.

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Keynote #2
Title: Charting New Territories: The Current and Future Roles of AI in Higher Education
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of higher education, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance teaching, learning, and institutional operations while raising critical questions about ethics, equity, and accessibility.
This keynote address examines the multifarious roles of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, encompassing its current applications—such as personalized learning platforms, automated assessment systems, and data-driven decision-making processes—and its transformative capacity to reshape pedagogical methodologies, advance complex data analysis, foster interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and reconfigure institutional frameworks.
Drawing on global case studies and emerging trends, the presentation further explores how AI can foster inclusive education, bridge skill gaps, and support lifelong learning, while addressing challenges like algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the need for faculty development.
Looking forward, the keynote envisions AI as a collaborative partner in higher education, empowering educators and students to navigate an increasingly complex knowledge ecosystem. It calls for strategic integration of AI that prioritizes human-centered values, ensuring that technological advancements align with the mission of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship in the academic community. 
Professor Will MA
Professor & Director of the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL),
Hong Kong University, China
Biography

Professor Will W. K. Ma, PhD, is currently the School of Arts and Humanities’ Professor of Teaching and Learning, and the Director of the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Tung Wah College. Professor Ma’s research focuses on communication, information systems adoption, education technology, knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. He has publications in international refereed journals, such as Computers and Human Behavior, Computers & Education, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, Asia Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, International Journal of Communication, Law and Policy, Knowledge Management & E-Learning, Information & Management, etc. His work has been widely cited. He has also been actively engaged in academic community. He participated and organized international conferences in technology and learning field, for example, International Conference on Applied Education, Technology and Innovation (AETI); HKAECT International Conference; International Conference on Blended Learning; International Conference in Hybrid Learning, and so on. He is the series editor of the Educational, Communication and Technology Yearbook series, published by Springer. He is an active independent reviewer for international refereed journals. As one of the top 1% of Social Science peer reviewers, he was recognised with the Publons Peer Review Awards 2017. He has been invited to deliver keynotes and talks by international conferences, educational institutions and professional field associations. 

 

Keynote #3

Title: "Agentic AI in Education: Building Self-Driving Universities"

Abstract:

What if universities could run themselves—designing compliant programs, ensuring accreditation, grading fairly, and generating real-time insights—while faculty and students focused purely on creativity, research, and learning? This keynote argues that such a vision is no longer science fiction but the imminent reality of Agentic AI.
Unlike traditional digital tools or even generative AI, Agentic AI represents autonomous, reasoning, and adaptive agents that can collaborate, monitor, and optimize entire academic ecosystems. These systems don’t just automate—they decide, adapt, and evolve.
I will introduce XEducation, our AI-by-design platform that operationalizes this vision: from course design and version control to accreditation reporting, AI-powered grading, and predictive analytics. With Agentic AI, institutions can transition from bureaucratic overhead to self-driving universities—intelligent systems that continuously assure quality, compliance, and innovation.
We will also confront the provocative questions: Who is accountable when AI runs the institution? How do we balance autonomy with oversight? The answers will shape the future of education itself. 

Dr. Aniss KOUBAA

College of Engineering, Alfaisal University,
Riyadh, KSA
Biography

Dr. Aniss KOUBAA is a Full Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Alfaisal University and a founding member of MUST University. Professor Anis Koubaa is a distinguished leader in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Computer Science. He served as the Director of the Research and Initiatives Center and the Innovation Center at PSU, and has held pivotal roles such as Aide to the President for Research Governance, significantly enhancing the university’s global research impact.

With over two decades of groundbreaking contributions, Professor Koubaa has advanced fields including Generative AI, Robotics, Drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT), with impactful applications in smart cities, healthcare, education, and business transformation. He is renowned for developing the Arabic Large Language Models (ArabianLLM) series and leading innovative AI projects in surveillance, computer vision, and automation.

A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and editor of over 20 Springer publications, Professor Koubaa’s exceptional work has earned him global recognition. Among his prestigious accolades are:

1) The Shoman Award for Arab Researchers (2024) for excellence in AI and robotics.
2) Third Prize in the SDAIA ALLAM Competition (2024), selected from over 170 international teams for his contributions to AI innovation.
3) Numerous other awards, including the AI Leadership Award (2022) and the KAUST Challenge Award (2021).

Recognized among the career-based top 2% scientists by Stanford University, Professor Koubaa continues to lead transformative research and development initiatives. His expertise in AI-driven business transformation, smart logistics, and cloud robotics positions him as a pioneer at the forefront of global AI and technological innovation