AUS co-hosts regional teaching and learning conference BPTLC 2026

Over 545 educators, researchers and thought leaders gather across three UAE universities

More than 545 educators and researchers from across the region gathered for the Fourth Annual Conference on Best Practices in Teaching and Learning (BPTLC) 2026, hosted collaboratively across three UAE campuses by American University of Sharjah (AUS), Khalifa University and Amity University Dubai.

Under the theme “Impactful Learning: Advancing Relevance, Resilience and Results,” the multi-venue conference brought higher education professionals together to explore pedagogical changes, particularly the use of technology in education and ways to prepare students for a changing academic and professional environment.

With the first two sessions at Khalifa University and Amity University Dubai focused on STEM education and AI-driven learning environments, the conclusion of the conference at AUS explored new trends and innovative approaches in education. The AUS campus welcomed over 200 participants and guest speakers, bringing together international scholars, university heads, faculty members, instructional designers and student leaders to participate in the proceedings.

Key sessions hosted on the AUS campus included the keynote address titled  “Systems Thinking for the AI-Enhanced Classroom: Reimagining Learning, Creativity and Human Potential” by Dr. Guiping Hu, Professor and Department Chair of Systems Engineering and Operations Research at George Mason University, USA. A presentation titled “The Cross-Disciplinary AI Mandate: Preparing Every Graduate for an AI-First World” was delivered by Dr. Jihan Zahran, representing the event’s Gold Sponsor, Gulf Data International (GDI) with proceedings rounded off by a panel discussion under the title “Educating for Uncertainty: Preparing Students for a Changing World”. Moderated by Professor Joe Colistra, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design, the discussion featured panelists Dr. Connie Mitchell (Prince Sultan University, KSA), Dr. Mohamed Watfa (Lebanese American University, Lebanon) and Dr. Cosma Gottardi (University of Glasgow, UK).

Senior AUS leadership in attendance included Chancellor Dr. Tod A. Laursen; Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Matthias Ruth; Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction Dr. James Griffin; Executive Director of ICT and IT Security Dr. Amina Abdulrahim; Chief of Government Relations, Security and Safety Dr. Saeed Al Shamsi; and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi.

The operational execution of the event was driven by the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) organizing committee headed by Professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics and CITL Director Dr. Norita Ahmad, supported by CITL staff members, faculty fellows, student workers and volunteers.

“BPTLC 2026 has been a truly defining moment for us at CITL,” said Dr. Norita Ahmad, Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) at AUS. “Seeing over 545 educators, researchers and thought leaders come together across three emirates is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Despite the challenges of the past year, our community showed up with energy, curiosity, and an openness to reimagine what teaching and learning can look like. That, for me, is the greatest success of this conference.”

In addition to the presentation sessions, selected conference abstracts will be invited to submit full papers for the peer-reviewed Digital Transformation and Society, a Scopus Indexed publication, with accepted abstracts also being reviewed by AUS Press for broader publication.

For more information about CITL, please visit www.aus.edu/academics/services-and-resources/center-for-innovation-in-te....