Conference Information

2nd International Higher Education Teaching, Learning, and Student Support Conference, 2025

Connecting Minds and Bridging Gaps

Overview

The 2nd International Higher Education Teaching, Learning, and Student Support Conference is a landmark event that brings together global educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and practitioners to revolutionise higher education. Under the theme "Connecting Minds and Bridging Gaps", the conference aims to explore and share solutions for enhancing teaching, learning, student support, research, and engaged scholarship practices in higher education.

Key Areas of Focus

The conference will delve into various critical areas, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future prospects of higher education. The key areas of focus are organised into the following tracks and themes:

  1. Teaching, Learning, and Student Support Philosophies in Higher Education
    1. Teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence in virtual classrooms
    2. Quality-enhanced learning, teaching, and student support
    3. Innovative teaching methodologies and practices
  2. Technology-Enhanced Teaching, Learning, and Student Support in Higher Education
    1. Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
    2. Digital literacies
    3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
    4. Analytics and big data
    5. Gamification and gamified learning
    6. Instructional design for online and virtual learning
  3. Curriculum Transformation in Higher Education
    1. Indigenous knowledge systems
    2. Decoloniality and Africanisation
    3. Epistemic justice
    4. Integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN Global Compact (UNGC) principles into the curriculum
    5. Multilingualism
    6. Engaged scholarship
    7. Work-integrated learning
    8. Notional hours
    9. Online module design and development
  4. Student Support in Higher Education
    1. Student success and retention
    2. First-year student support strategies
    3. Tutorial services
    4. Flipped classrooms
    5. Online lessons
    6. Student orientations
    7. Student counselling services
    8. Student wellness and wellbeing
    9. Building positive teacher-student connections
    10. Fostering a supportive learning environment
    11. Student engagement strategies
    12. Effective communication in the classroom
    13. Early warning signals of student failure
  5. Higher-Education Policy and Regulatory Environment
    1. Higher education policy and its impact on tuition and student support
    2. Advocating for quality education
    3. Policy implications for inclusive practices
    4. Higher education and social justice
    5. Quality assurance promotion and enhancement
  6. Assessment Strategies in Higher Education
    1. Continuous assessment
    2. Formative and summative assessment strategies
    3. Proctoring and academic integrity
    4. Assessment types and methods
    5. Alternative assessments
    6. Effective feedback mechanisms
    7. Assessment for learning
    8. Authentic assessment approaches
  7. Inclusivity and Diversity in Higher Education
    1. Sign language and universal design for learning
    2. Assistive devices for differently abled students
    3. Supporting students who are differently abled
    4. Addressing diverse learning needs
    5. Special education and inclusive practices
    6. Culturally responsive teaching
    7. The digital divide
    8. Language considerations
    9. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  8. Integrating Sustainable Development in Higher Education
    1. Lifelong learning
    2. Equity in education
    3. Climate change education
    4. Women's education for an equal society
  9. Quality Assurance in Higher Education
    1. Standards and benchmarks for quality education
    2. Continuous improvement in higher education
    3. Accreditation and compliance
    4. Quality management systems
    5. Quality review systems and practices
    6.  Best practices in quality assurance
  10. AI in Teaching and Learning
    1. Leveraging AI for personalized learning
    2. Ethical considerations of AI in education
    3. AI-driven assessment and feedback
    4. Adaptive learning technologies
    5. AI in curriculum development
    6. The future of AI in higher education

Conference Dates and Location

Dates: 5 – 8 May 2025

Conference Location: Kgorong Building, Unisa, 274 Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria

Conference Mode

The conference will be held in a hybrid mode, accommodating both in-person attendance and online participation, ensuring a global reach and inclusive participation.

Conference Structure

  • Pre-conference Workshops: In-depth learning and skills development sessions on specialised topics related to higher education.

  • Keynote Presentations: Delivered by renowned experts and thought leaders, offering insights into the latest trends, challenges, and strategies in higher education.

  • Panel Discussions: Engaging debates and discussions on topical issues by experts in the field.

  • Breakaway Sessions: Focused sessions allowing for detailed exploration of specific themes and topics.

  • Workshops and Interactive Sessions: Practical sessions aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge in various areas of interest.

  • Poster Presentations: A platform for showcasing research and innovative practices in higher education.

  • Networking Opportunities: Sessions designed to facilitate connections and collaborations among attendees.

  • Gala Dinner: A formal event to celebrate achievements and foster further collaborations in the field.

Participation and Engagement

The conference offers various avenues for participation, including presenting research, attending workshops, engaging in panel discussions, and networking with peers. It promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, fostering collaboration, innovation, and advancement in the field of ODeL.