Tuesday, 23 September

The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI Conference

By The Open University

Hosted by The Open University, and sponsored by Infosys, explore the future of Adult and Lifelong learning, during Milton Keynes Tech Week.

Date and time

Location

The Open University

Walton Hall, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA #Walton Hall Kents Hill MK7 6AA United Kingdom

Lineup

Agenda

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Registration and coffee

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Welcome and introduction

Professor John Domingue

Professor Ian Pickup

Esther Spring

Emily Darlington MP

Conference co-chair John Domingue and Professor Ian Pickup will open the event.

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

An Unschooler's Guide to Learning, Working and Innovating Playfully with AI

Jocelyn Burnham

Growing up as an 'unschooler' in rural Pennsylvania, Jocelyn experienced first-hand the power of playfulness as a radical vehicle for self-directed learning, discovery and building personal agency. N...

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Responsible AI in practice. Challenges and Opportunities for HE

Professor Miriam Fernandez

Over the past decade, AI and data-driven tools have become central to how higher education institutions support student success. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at the Open University, th...

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Machine Design: A New Creative Literacy

Marco Antonio Alfaro Ruz

As artificial intelligence takes a central role in design culture, we are no longer just shaping tools—we are shaping the frameworks through which ideas take form. This talk proposes a new form of cr...

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Networking Lunch and Exhibitors

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Panel Discussion

Andrew Law

Padma Bhamidipati

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

AI, Skills and Jobs: Ethics and Opportunities -

Navin Patel

Artificial intelligence sits at the heart of how we learn, work and confront the climate crisis, offering unprecedented avenues for up-skilling while amplifying ethical and environmental risks. This...

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Reimagining the Student Experience with AI: Practical Use Cases Across the Jou

Julián Ricoy

As higher education institutions face increasing pressure to deliver more personalised, efficient, and scalable services, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key enabler of transformation. This ...

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Closing Remarks

Professor John Domingue

Esther Spring

4:45 PM - 5:30 PM

Networking drinks

Good to know

Highlights

8 hours, 30 minutes
In person

About this event

Science & Tech • Science

This one-day conference hosted by the Open University (OU) which since its founding in 1969 has changed millions of lives by using the latest technological innovations to deliver adult and lifelong learning to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Brings together thought leaders, educators, innovators, and policy makers to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of adult and lifelong learning in the era of artificial intelligence.

This event is sponsored by Infosys.

Our keynote speakers:

We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speakers - Miri Fernandez, a leading voice in AI and education policy, and Jocelyn Burnham, a pioneering AI artist whose work challenges the boundaries of human and machine creativity, and Marco Antonio Alfaro Ruz who is an architect and urban designer, specialising in the development of design methodologies that integrate artificial intelligence, parametric tools, and principles of biomimicry.

Along with keynote speakers, a panel discussion, and action learning sets, the event includes a buffet lunch, and opportunities to network and have a drink after the last session.

Our hosts for the conference:

The Conference Chairs are Professor John Domingue, from the OU’s https://kmi.open.ac.uk/, whose research covers AI and how this technology can be applied to education and Esther Spring from the OU’s Organisational Development and Effectiveness team, who is leading on AI training for OU staff.

Our Conference will be opened by Emily Darlington MP and Professor Ian Pickup, Pro Vice Chancellor (Students).

For any questions about this free event contact AI@open.ac.uk

Our sponsor:
This event is kindly sponsored by Infosys. Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, helping businesses across the world navigate their digital transformation journeys with cutting-edge technology, innovation, and deep industry expertise

For any questions about this free event contact: AI@open.ac.uk

Frequently asked questions

Accessibility and additional requirements

If you have any additional requirements, please contact: AI@open.ac.uk

Will the event be live streamed or recorded?

The event will not be live streamed. The Keynote sessions only will be recorded, and the videos shared post the event to those who attend, and made available on our website.

I would like to offer my services to record or assist with the event?

If you are an OU member of staff or student please contact us via: AI@open.ac.uk. If you are an external organisation, due to the nature of the event we will only be working with our internal and approved suppliers for this events.

Under 18's

While under 18's are welcome to join the event they must be accompanied by an adult, who will be deemed responsible for them whilst attending the conference. The focus of the conference adult lifelong learning post 18.

Filming and Photographs of the conference

Please be aware that we will be filming and taking photographs during the event. Which some will be made available post the event which will be used for activities in connection to the event, and some will be made available on our external websites.

Parking

There is parking available onsite at the event.

Organised by

The Open University

Followers

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Hosting

Free

Sep 23 · 09:00 GMT+1