Date/Time
Date(s) - Tue 20 May
18:30 - 19:30
The 2025 Gibbons Lecture Series theme is How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Education.
Overview: Artificial Intelligence offers new opportunities to enhance teaching, personalise learning and improve student outcomes. The 2025 Gibbons Lecture Series explores the role of AI in modern education, examining real-world applications, discussing the impact on teachers and students, and addressing the challenges of interacting with AI. Whether you are an educator, student or policymaker, this series will provide valuable insights into how AI is revolutionising education and what the future holds.
Tuesday 20 May 2025
Talk title: Beyond the Computer Lab: Why AI Literacy Matters for Everyone
Speaker: Dr Kathryn MacCallum, Associate Professor in Digital Education and Educational Technologies, University of Canterbury (UC)
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to tech giants and research labs; it underpins everyday experiences from online recommendations to self-driving cars. As AI technologies become increasingly omnipresent, understanding how they work and how they shape our world is essential for every individual—no matter their age or background. This lecture highlights why AI literacy must move beyond the domain of computer science into our classrooms, our homes, and our wider communities. We will explore the foundational principles of AI, dispel common myths, and discuss the implications that AI has on the wider educational sector. Drawing on practical examples and educational initiatives, we will examine how even young learners can develop meaningful AI skills and critical thinking capacities. By cultivating a generation equipped to scrutinise, use, and co-create AI responsibly, we can ensure that all share the benefits of these intelligent technologies.
Biography
Dr Kathryn MacCallum is a leading expert in digital education, specialising in the integration of emerging technologies such as mobile technology, augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence into teaching and learning contexts. Her research focuses on harnessing these technologies to create equitable, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for all students. Kathryn is particularly known for her pioneering work in AI literacy, including the development of the Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) Framework for Education, which empowers educators and learners to effectively engage with AI and enhance learning outcomes.
As the Director of the Digital Education Futures Lab and Head of School at the University of Canterbury, Kathryn leads a dynamic community of researchers exploring the impact of digital technologies across educational contexts, from early childhood to tertiary education, as well as in informal learning environments. Her leadership and vision is to drive innovative approaches to digital education that prepare learners for a rapidly evolving digital world.
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/Et1S3l5TbI8?feature=share