11 th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LIFELONG EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR ALL
Venue: Vytautas Magnus University -KAUNAS/ LITHUANIA / JULY 2-4, 2025
Keynote Speakers
1. Keynote Speakers: Prof. Dr. STEPHEN HARMON -Associate Dean of Research, Professional Education
-
Executive Director, Center for 21st Century Universities
Biography
Dr. Stephen Harmon serves as associate dean of research at Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE), executive director for the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U), and as professor at the Georgia Tech College of Design. At GTPE and C21U, he leads the invention, prototyping, and validation efforts associated with educational innovation and with managing facilities available to all Georgia Tech researchers and faculty members.
His previous position was professor and chair of the Learning Technologies Division in the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University.
After majoring in English literature at Furman University, Dr. Harmon moved to Upper Egypt to teach fourth-grade English for two years. While traveling through the Middle East and Africa, he realized the tremendous need, and scarce resources, for education and training in developing countries. He returned to the U.S. and earned a masters and doctorate in instructional technology, with a cognate in global policy studies, from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Harmon’s research centers on educational uses of emerging technologies and has, for the last few years, focused on eLearning, particularly with respect to synchronous, online learning environments. He is a past president of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology, an international professional association of thousands of educators and others whose activities are directed toward improving instruction through technology.
Dr. Harmon also conducts research on educational technology in developing countries. He has worked in several Middle Eastern and African countries, including as a consultant for USAID’s Education for Development and Democracy Initiative in Botswana.
Dr. Harmon has over 120 professional publications and presentations and was the 2011 recipient of Georgia State University’s Innovative Instruction Award. He was the spring 2016 commencement speaker at Georgia Southern University.
2. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr. Rimantas Želvys - Vilnius University
Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Želvys has studied at Vilnius University and University of Wolverhampton (United Kingdom). His doctoral degree was awarded at Leningrad V. Bechterev psychoneurologic scientific research institute (Russia), degree of habilitated doctor – at Vilnius Pedagogical University. He is a former Director of Lithuanian In-Service Teachers Training Institute, former Vice-Rector of Vilnius Pedagogical University, former Head of Department of Education at Vilnius University. Currently Rimantas Želvys is a Professor of Education and Head of Education Policy Centre at Vilnius University. He was a consultant and expert of the World Bank, OECD and European Commission in a series of educational projects in post-communist countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He was a visiting professor at Leipzig University (Germany), University of Latvia (Latvia), Semey Shakarim University, National Womens‘ Pedagogical University, Silkway University, Yessenov University, Zhetysu Zhansugurov University and National Abai University (Kazakhstan).
Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Želvys is the author of the book in English „Managing Education in a Period of Change“ (Oslo: ELI Publishing, 1999) and a number of books and academic publications in Lithuanian. His main fields of research are Higher Education, Education Policy and Management, Education Reforms.
Topic:
Educational Leadership and Research-Based Policy Decisions: Can We Use International Large-Scale Student Achievement Studies for Measuring Inclusion and Fairness in Education?
Educational leaders in many countries tend to use the results of international large-scale student achievement studies to initiate curriculum reforms and justify other policy decisions. Politicians and media consider student performance as a key indicator of quality education. Researchers often criticize country rankings, based on student achievement, for a variety of ideological and methodological reasons. Besides that, the broad definition of educational quality embraces both student performance and social justice. In the Incheon Declaration for Education 2030, UNESCO urges to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The presentation describes the experience of using the results of international large scale student achievement studies – PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS – for measuring the level of inclusion and fairness in education.
3. Keynote Speakers: Prof.Dr.Vladan Devedžić, Professor University of Belgrade Faculty of Organizational Sciences
Topic: Teaching when it rAIns and shines
Abstract
The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in numerous human endeavors over the past decade and a half has led to renewed speculation about the possibility of another "AI winter.". This term refers to a period when the interest in AI declines and, consequently, funding for AI research and development drops. While some experts see indications of AI winter on the horizon, and some others
fear of "AI doomsday" scenarios – the existential risk of further exponential progress and advancements in AI could lead to an irreversible global catastrophe – others cheerfully exclaim that "AI is here to stay". Such state of affairs necessitates a fundamental shift in educational approaches across all levels. This talk aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue by proposing specific recommendations regarding AI education, AI in education, and education with AI. Key questions include: What exactly should we teach with regard to AI? How should we do it? What foundational knowledge is essential for students at various educational stages to grasp AI concepts effectively? Beyond technical instruction, to what extent should we integrate practical AI applications, ethical considerations, and the potential misuse of AI technology into the curriculum? As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the associated risks and benefits, enabling students to navigate the complexities of this transformative technology.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITY AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Vladan Devedžić is a Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. He also used to teach several Computer Science courses at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Belgrade, and at the Military Academy of Serbia. He also worked at the Institute for Nuclear Sciences in Vinca (1982–1985) and the "Mihajlo Pupin"Institute in Belgrade (1985–1995). He is the founder and head of the research group focused on Artificial Intelligence (GOOD OLD AI research network). He is also the founder of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at his home faculty. Since 2021, he has been a corresponding member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) at the Department of Technical Sciences.
Vladan Devedžić, Professor / University of Belgrade Faculty of Organizational Sciences
vladan.devedzic@fon.bg.ac.rs http://devedzic.fon.bg.ac.rs/
4. Keynote Speaker : Prof.Dr. Carlos Sousa de Reis-PORTUGAL
Topic: Cultivating Inclusive School Cultures: Bringing Theory and Practice
Is an Auxiliary professor of Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, CEIS20, University of Coimbra.
-Academic and professional degrees
2008: Doctorate (PhD) in Education Sciences, specialty of Philosophy of Education, by University of Coimbra. Praise and Distinction
Thesis title: Education and media culture: Analysis of un-educative practices (published by Âncora/CEI).
1998: Specialized Trainer for Educational Technology and Communication (B15), Specialized Didactics
(Philosophy – C05) by the Portuguese Scientific-pedagogical Council for In-service Training.
1996: Master in Education Sciences, by University of Coimbra
Thesis title: Advertising’s (un)educative value (published IUC). Very Good
1995: Specialized trainer for Practical and Pedagogical Research and Specialized Didactics (Philosophy) by the Portuguese Scientific-pedagogical Council for In-service Training;
1991: Graduation in Teaching of Philosophy, University of Porto.
1989: Graduation in Philosophy, University of Porto.
.jpg)
5. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr Pavel Jurs – RTU Liepaja University/ LATVIA
Topic: The use of universal design for learning for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders - challenges to foster wellbeing and creativity
This study analyses the universal teaching design concept, which, using three neuroscience-based principles, offers various strategies for providing the necessary support to all children, regardless of the established diagnosis and promote the well-being and creativity of children as a model of relationships (interactions) between children's and teachers.
Inclusive education trends encourage educational policy makers, implementers and researchers always focus on meeting the needs of different children at all stages of education. Using the analysis of scientific literature and case-study method, the study reflects the preschool period as one of the most important periods in the promotion of children's cognitive and social development, drawing attention to the use of appropriate scientific methods already at an early age. Special attention has been paid to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is still considered one of the most difficult groups of special needs to be included in preschool age. The results of the study confirm that ASD disorders have an extremely wide range of different characteristics and comorbidity with other disorders, and special requirements are placed on the provision of pedagogical support.
He is Pāvels Jurs and I am a professor and senior researcher at the Liepaja Academy of Riga Technical University (Latvia).
His research interests are: civic competence, diversity of pedagogical processes, youth civic engagement, management of educational institutions, and teaching and learning. Academic work experience includes undergraduate and master's level studies in preparing future teachers, social workers, and heads of educational institutions, as well as doctoral studies in research methodology issues. Alongside academic work, I am the principal of Liepaja Amber Secondary School, with leadership and change management experience. By professional qualification, I'm a teacher of history and social sciences.
6. Keynote Speaker: Prof.Dr.Monika Fodor-Garai– Faculty of Business & Management, Obuda University, Hungary
Title: Transforming Digital Education with Artificial Intelligence: Innovations and Impact
The integration of digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advancements in Information and Computer Technology (ICT), has the potential to revolutionize the educational process. AI is increasingly recognized for its capability to personalize, adapt, and enhance learning experiences by leveraging real-time data. Governments, educational institutions, and technology organizations are exploring AI tools to provide more effective and efficient educational system monitoring, characterized by timely, accurate, and insightful indicators with reduced administrative burden.
Artificial Intelligence, defined as the ability of digital computers or computer-controlled robots to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings, encompasses a wide range of tools and techniques such as algorithms, machine learning, data mining, neural networks, and natural language processing. AI applications in education include intelligent virtual reality, collaborative learning assistants, and personal tutoring systems.
This paper delves into how AI, along with the Internet of Things (IoT) and other advancements in Information and Computer Technology (ICT), is transforming digital education. By leveraging real-time data and sophisticated algorithms, AI offers personalized, adaptive, and engaging learning experiences that cater to individual student needs. This transformation is supported by governments, educational institutions, and tech companies aiming to create more efficient and effective educational systems with reduced administrative burdens and enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Prof. Dr. Monika Garai-Fodor is currently a professor and the dean at Obuda University Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management. She graduated as an Economic agricultural engineer specialised in Marketing and she has an university degree in Economic engineer- teacher.
She received her PhD (Management and Business Administration) with summa cum laude and in 2009, in 2018 she successfully habilitated (Management and Business Administration). She has 18 years of experience in higher education and several years of management experience in marketing in business practice: she was the national communications director of Continental (2014-2018), she was the professional manager of the Professional Conference Organizing Ltd. (2014-2017) and she managed professional projects as a senior researcher at RadaR Research Ltd.
Her main fields of teaching are marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing research, marketing communication, and her main research interests are value-based analysis of consumer and customer behaviour, generational marketing.
7. Keynote Speaker: Dr.Dan Petrica – Agora Oradea University- ROMANIA
Title: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower creativity
Abstract: This keynote speech will discuss the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and creativity, and how AI is transforming the creative landscape in various domains. An overview of the current state of AI and its integration into the creative process will be provided, highlighting how it complements human creativity by generating art, music, assisting with design and writing. By exploring the collaborative synergy between human intuition and machine-generated outputs, the potential of AI-driven creativity to foster innovation will be uncovered.
Additionally, this speech will examine how AI challenges traditional notions of creativity by raising questions about authorship, originality, and human ingenuity. Ethical considerations and implications of AI's expanding role in the creative process will also be addressed.
The presentation invites the audience to embark on a journey into the world of AI and creativity, uncovering the transformative impact of AI on the creative process and its profound implications on our understanding of creativity.
Bio: Dan Petrica is a Lecturer at the Agora University of Oradea, where he teaches sociology, research methodologies and human security. He holds a PhD in political science and has an educational background in cultural studies, program management, international relations, and regional development policies. He is also his institution’s Erasmus+ Program Coordinator and a council member of the Career Counseling and Guidance Center therein. Outside the academia, he is an International Affairs Researcher for a private entity and a member of the International Vocational Education and Training Association.
