Taking place on Thursday 13th August, 12:30 BST/UK, 15:30 GST/UAE.

By now AI and immersive technologies have become an integral part of our classrooms; it has become ever more important for the schools to balance innovation with child development.

This session examines how to ensure the non-negotiable development of reasoning, writing, executive function, attention, and problem-solving skills across age groups with the integration of AI in K–12 learning environments. 

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                Speakers: 

Chairperson:

Joseph South
Chief Innovation Officer, ISTE+ASCD 

Dr. Joseph South is the Chief Innovation Officer at ISTE+ASCD. He is an internationally-recognized educational technology leader focused on evidence-based learning transformation. He spearheads initiatives that assist hundreds of thousands of educators in preparing future AI designers, elevates ed tech quality in classrooms by collaborating with solution providers and education leaders, and provides certification programs based on ISTE Standards.

He leads AI strategy at ISTE+ASCD, including GenerationAI.org, is a founding member of the steering committee for TeachAI.org and an advisor for AI4K12.org. He is part of an international expert working group convened by the European Commission and OECD to develop an AI Literacy Framework for worldwide usage.

Previously, he directed the Office of Educational Technology at the United States Department of Education, where he advised the Secretary of Education, shaped national tech policies, fostered public-private partnerships for digital learning transformation, and cultivated an edtech entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this role, he was responsible for leading a cross-government effort to create and publish the National Educational Technology Plan for the United States of America.

He is a frequent international speaker and consultant and has worked with national education leaders in Asia, the UK, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Richard Bishop
Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead, Sunmarke School

Richard Bishop is a Curriculum and Professional Learning Specialist working on the development of ethical and responsible AI curriculum. He has over 23 years’ experience in education across the UK and UAE, including senior leadership roles in behaviour, safeguarding, attendance, enterprise and whole-school AI implementation. Richard’s work focuses on helping schools use AI in ways that strengthen learning, protect independent thinking and support responsible digital practice. He has led professional learning for teachers on AI, digital pedagogy and curriculum design, and is particularly interested in how schools can prepare young people to use AI critically, ethically and creatively without outsourcing the hard work of thinking.

Damir Odobasic
Head of Music, ICT, and Digital Integration, Shanghai United International School

Damir Odobasic is the Head of Music, ICT, and Digital Integration at Shanghai United International School (SUIS) and creator of the Lesson Intelligence Framework (LIF), a five-layer instructional design system that helps teachers preserve authentic student thinking in AI-rich classrooms. A Bett Asia Advisory Board member and recipient of the 2026 Education Innovation Award at the World Education Summit Dubai, Damir writes the Lesson Intelligence newsletter, read by hundreds of educators across Asia and globally. His work focuses on one question: how do we design lessons where thinking stays central when answers are one prompt away?

Shahriar Akter
Professor & Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Arts, Society & Business, University of Wollongong

Shahriar Akter is a Professor of Analytics and the Deputy Dean of Research at the Faculty of Arts, Society & Business at UOW, Australia. He was the Associate Dean of Research of the Faculty of Business & Law from 2022 to 2025. He was awarded his PhD from UNSW Business School, Australia, and a research methods fellowship from the University of Oxford. His research interests include advanced analytics & AI, algorithmic biases and digital Innovation. He was recognised as one of the Top Australian Business Researchers by the Australian Newspaper's Research Magazine in 2022 & 2023. He was also featured by CDO Magazine in 2022 as one of the world's leading academic data leaders (in collaboration with MIT Sloan Management School). He has published in leading business & management journals (80+ A or A* ranked articles on the ABDC list) and has 100+ publications. He is among the top 1% of scholars worldwide, according to the Clarivate 2022 & 2023 lists. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Strategic Marketing and Electronic Markets and on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Information Management. He served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute in China, and Toulouse Business School in France. His research has been featured in TIME Magazine, Reuters, WIRED (USA), Grist Magazine (USA), CDO Magazine (USA), The Australian, ABC, SBS, The Canberra Times, The Illawarra Mercury, News.com.au and Times Higher Education.

Jasbir Kaur
AI & Innovation Lead, GEMS Education

Jasbir is an accomplished educator with 15+ years of international teaching experience across Canada, China, and Dubai. She holds credentials from the University of Toronto and specializes in IB Language & Literature, where she has consistently fostered student-centered learning using innovative methods geared towards the future environments that prioritize both academic excellence and pastoral support.

Throughout her career, Jasbir has taught English, History, and EAL to diverse learners, guiding countless students through university pathway planning with compassion and expertise. At GEMS World Academy Dubai, she serves as a professional development leader, championing curriculum innovation and the thoughtful integration of AI and digital literacy in education.

Jasbir's teaching philosophy centers on humanity, kindness, and interconnectedness—core values she weaves into every classroom interaction. She believes that when students develop critical thinking skills through meaningful engagement with technology and literature, they become empowered global citizens. Her approach bridges traditional pedagogical excellence with forward-thinking educational practices, creating spaces where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Alex Gray
Head of Digital Innovation & AI, Aracdia School

Alex Gray is a teacher, school leader and builder. As Head of Digital Learning and AI at Arcadia British School Dubai, he leads AI adoption in one of the region's most connected school communities. He is the founder of the DEEP Education Network, where his courses, resources and AI applications help schools move from AI anxiety to AI capability. Across 130+ episodes of The International Classroom podcast he has interviewed educators, researchers and founders shaping global education.