Program – Online Teacher Education in the Evolving Technological Landscape: Beyond the Horizon

All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Convert local times here. Zoom links for all sessions will be added to the program by 15 September 2025 (two days before the conference).
Download a Program PDF.
Download Concurrent presentation abstracts PDF.

Start	End	Event
8.30 am	8.35 am	Welcome by Associate Professor Seyum Getenet
8.35 am	8.45 am	Welcome by Professor Krishna Bista, Morgan State University
8.45 am	9.00 am	Guest Speaker: Daniel Pinchas, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership ♦ Teacher education – A national perspective
9.00 am	9.45 am	Keynote address – Professor Simon Buckingham, University of Technology Sydney ♦ Designing AI as Thinking Partners
		CONCURRENT SESSIONS
		Digital innovation and transformation	Effective practices in online teacher education	Supporting teacher engagement
10.00 am	10.30 am	Transforming online teacher education: A conceptual model for digitally advanced teaching methods Sanaa Charef	Online digital learning platforms: Preference and challenges among future physics teachers in Ilorin, Nigeria Dr Yahaya Wasiu Olayinka	Establishing innovative approaches to supplement public health and STEAM education digitally in schools Nathan Tat, Vivian Tat & Tony Nguyen
10.35 am	11.05 am	Art and Technology in STEM Education: A Transformative Dialogue 1. Heartbeats and molecules: Integrating AI, media arts, and graphic storytelling in STEAM education Dr Sahar Aghasafari & Mark Malloy 2. Participatory theatre and the retention of underrepresented minoritized women in STEM Dr Mohammadali Dabiri 3. Art meets AI: Exploring the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence in the art classroom Dr Jeremy Blair	Internationalizing the curriculum: Effective practices in online teacher education for a globalized learning environment Prof María Cruz Cuevas Álvarez & Prof Marcos Pérez Mendoza	A case study of higher education faculty’s experiences of an online professional development program in India Mitali Patle & Prof K. Srinivas
11.10 am	11.40 am		Teaching for tomorrow: Building growth mindsets in online teacher training Prof Marina Falasca	Digital innovation and the internationalization of the curriculum in online teacher education: Redefining competencies for the 21st century educator Prof Marcos Pérez Mendoza & Prof María Cruz Cuevas Álvarez
11.45 am	12.15 pm	Bridging the digital divide: Ethics, equity, and inclusion in online teacher education Unnati Kapil	Partnering with AI: Using AI to support inquiry and cultural relevance in elementary Science Dr Uchenna Emenaha Miles & Taniece Thompson-Smith	Opportunities for re-imagining online engagement in teacher education – Re-visiting of the Online Engagement Framework for Higher Education Assoc Prof Alice Brown
12.20 pm	12.50 pm	Smarter, not harder: Integrating ethical AI tools to support assessment and wellbeing in online teacher education Dr Nicole Brownlie	Enhancing engagement and connection in asynchronous distance education: OB3 connects learners to other learners, with lecturing staff and experts Dr Gloria Gomez	Reimagining online teacher education through hybrid onto-epistemologies: A relational approach to engaging diverse pre-service teachers Dr Nashid Nigar
1.00 pm	1.45 pm	Keynote address – Professor Donna Pendergast, Griffith University ♦ Teacher identity, the future teacher workforce and the shifting sands of (online) teacher education.
		Closing remarks – Professor Peter Cook, University of Southern Queensland

CONCURRENT SESSION PRESENTERS

Sanaa Charef is a dedicated English language educator with over 20 years of experience teaching English as a foreign language and 5 years of experience in teaching Business English. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English studies and a master’s degree in English Language and Culture. Currently, she is in the second year of her PhD in English Language Studies, with a research focus on English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Her work explores how language instruction can be tailored to meet the professional and academic needs of specific learner groups. She values the role of targeted language instruction in promoting effective, purpose-driven communication.

Yahaya Wasiu Olayinka is a Science Education (Physics) specialist from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D. and is a registered teacher with TRCN. His research focuses on physics education, and he is a member of STAN with active profiles on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

Nathan Tat is delighted to promote the education and health of fellow community members as co-lead of Taking Our Best Shot. He completed both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees at Rice University in Houston, Texas. With his interests in learning and mentorship arising from early experiences such as STEM camps, classes, and extracurriculars, Nathan readily explores new opportunities and interdisciplinary fields. Nathan has received distinctions such as 40 Under 40 with The Daily News, HOSA-Future Health Professionals Outstanding Alumni Award, and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) Excellence in Interprofessional Education Award. During his free time, Nathan partakes in hobbies such as swimming, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family.

Vivian Tat is thrilled to advocate for educational, STEM, and health initiatives while co-leading Taking Our Best Shot. She earned her graduate degrees from UTMB, where she was a McLaughlin Scholar and an Interprofessional Education Scholar. Previously, Vivian earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with Distinction in Research and an Evidence and Inquiry certificate as a Polymathic Honors Scholar from The University of Texas at Austin. Inspired by her family, Vivian desires each person to pursue their happiest and healthiest lives.

Tony Nguyen is enthusiastic about public health, medicine, and promoting these topics through education in the community. Currently, Tony is a pre-medical student majoring in Public Health at the University of Houston in Texas. In addition to being a member of Taking Our Best Shot, Tony has been involved with Engineers without Borders, the American Chemical Society, and local clinics. Outside of school and work, Tony is a highly skilled lion dancer who frequently performs with teams around Houston and at national competitions.

Sahar Aghasafari, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Art and Graphic Design at the University of South Carolina Lancaster. As an art educator and visual artist, she conducts research in interdisciplinary visual/media arts and science studies. Sahar’s work focuses on identifying productive ways to integrate visual and media arts into STEM fields to support students’ academic achievement. Email: s.aghasafari@sc.edu

Mark Malloy, a Research and Art Studio Assistant at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, is a self-taught artist specializing in Illustration and Narrative-Based Writing. Passionate about the expansive world of art, his interests span Illustration, Storytelling, Songwriting, and Animation. Holding an Associate of Arts degree, Mark aspires to create transformative art that inspires and challenges. He is dedicated to redefining artistic boundaries and impacting lives through his creative expression. Email: mm232@email.sc.edu

Mohammadali (Al) Dabiri earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on comparative and international higher education, with an emphasis on equity-driven leadership. Al’s current study examines the retention and success of underrepresented and minoritized women leading federally funded STEM Broadening Participation programs in the United States. In addition to his academic pursuits, he serves as the managing copyeditor for the Comparative and International Higher Education Journal. Email: aldabiri@missouri.edu

Jeremy Blair, PhD is an Associate Professor of Art Education in the School of Art, Craft & Design at Tennessee Tech University. His visual art practice, teaching, and scholarship investigate the intersections of art and science, with a particular focus on STEAM Education. Email: jmblair@tntech.edu

María Cruz Cuevas Álvarez, PhD is a Senior Professor in the Department of Economics and Administrative Studies, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico. STAR Scholars Network Country Director for Mexico. Co-Coordinator for the ICC Working Group at the World Council of Intercultural and Global Competence [WCIGC]. Member of the National Research Council SNII level 1. Member of the State Research Council (CCyTET). Her major research interests lie in the area of Educative Management, Internationalization of Higher Education, Internationalization of the Curriculum, Digital Competences, Research Competences, International, and Intercultural Competences. Email: mariacruz.cuevasalvarez@gmail.com

Marcos Pérez Mendoza, PhD is a Marketing Professor in the Department of Economics and Administrative Studies, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico. President of the Association of Marketing Professionals and Commercial Relations [CPMERC]. Member of the National Research Council SNII level 1. Member of the State Research Council (CCyTET). His major research interests lie in Digital Marketing, Digital Competences, Internationalization of Higher Education, Internationalization of the Curriculum, Research Competences, International, and Intercultural Competences. Email: marcos77pm@gmail.com

Mitali Patle is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education from the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, India. Her research work focuses on the educational experiences, aspirations, and employment of Adivasi students. She has completed a Master of Education from CIE, University of Delhi, with specialization in Inclusive Education.

K. Srinivas is the Head of the ICT & Project Management Unit at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, India. A distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Prof. Srinivas has been a pioneer in leveraging technology in education for over three decades, beginning with open-source ICT tools in teaching, learning, and student evaluation at the graduate and postgraduate levels since 1990. His areas of interest are e-Learning, blended learning, MOOCs, ICT-enabled Pedagogy, Computer Applications in Project Management, and e-governance. Prof. K. Srinivas also conducts teacher training workshops both at School Education and Higher Education across the country.

Prof. Marina Falasca is a teacher trainer, researcher, and educational consultant based in Argentina. She teaches TEFL Methods, Educational Technology, Discourse Analysis and Introduction to Educational Research at two leading teacher training institutions in Buenos Aires, where she also serves as a practicum supervisor. As the STAR Country Director for Argentina, she leads international programs focused on Sustainable Development Education and Global Citizenship. Her research centres on teacher development, intercultural learning, and innovation in language education, with a strong emphasis on integrating emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Klett Award for Sustainable Development Education in 2024 and the AAICEP Iberoamerica Global Education Prize in 2025. Marina has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has published extensively in both Spanish and English on topics such as virtual exchange, online pedagogy, and transformative education. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive, future-ready learning environments that empower both teachers and students. Marina.falasca@bue.edu.ar

Marcos Pérez Mendoza, PhD is a Marketing Professor in the Department of Economics and Administrative Studies, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico. President of the Association of Marketing Professionals and Commercial Relations [CPMERC]. Member of the National Research Council SNII level 1. Member of the State Research Council (CCyTET). His major research interests lie in Digital Marketing, Digital Competences, Internationalization of Higher Education, Internationalization of the Curriculum, Research Competences, International, and Intercultural Competences. Email: marcos77pm@gmail.com

Unnati Kapil, a third-year B.A L.LB (Hons.) student at Bennett University (The Times Group) with a strong academic background in using legal knowledge to create a worldwide impact. Over the past few years, she has built experience as a content writer, researcher, and campus ambassador, while also winning several debating and literary competitions. Her academic interests lie in constitutional law, Matrimonial disputes, Criminal Law, and a strong desire to explore & advocate for rights. She has a deep passion for both Speaking and Writing, which reflects her overall commitment towards her short-term & long-term goals.

Uchenna Emenaha Miles is a teacher educator, researcher, and advocate for equity-driven STEM instruction. She is an Assistant Professor of STEM Education whose work centers on culturally responsive pedagogy, pre-service teacher training, and the sociocultural dimensions of science education. Dr. Emenaha Miles is the founder of Science X Society, an initiative that bridges science, identity, and social issues through digital media and education. She is also the author of her forthcoming book with Cowin Publishing titled, “Social Context in Science Class: A Guide to Teaching Race and Identity.” Her research and scholarship are grounded in using culturally responsive pedagogy to address the intersection between social issues, STEM/science instruction, and students’ lived experiences.

Taniece Thompson-Smith is a seasoned educator with 16 years of teaching experience and a military spouse for 20 years. She has taught in seven diverse school districts across the United States, Jamaica, and Japan, highlighting her versatility and dedication to education. Thompson-Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Brooklyn College, a graduate-level teacher certification from Rider University, and a Master of Arts in teaching with a specialization in multicultural and social justice education from California State University, Fresno. Her outstanding teaching abilities have been recognized through various awards, including Texas Teacher of the Year. Her excellence in teaching has also been recognized by prominent figures such as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and she was invited to the US First State Dinner, honoring educators.

Alice Brown, PhD is an Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education at the University of Southern Queensland. She is an innovative and award-winning educator and internationally recognised researcher who leads practice and scholarship research focussed on advancing learning, teaching and student success through online engagement. With over a decade of online HE teaching experience Alice has co-written numerous books, chapters and papers addressing online pedagogy, applying ‘nudging’ to support online student engagement, and the highly cited paper which outlines a framework for online engagement in higher education (Redmond, et al., 2018). Alice exemplifies scholarly outputs with over 45 scholarly publications and presentations.

Nicole Brownlie, PhD is a Lecturer in Educational Counselling at the University of Southern Queensland. Her teaching and research are grounded in ethical, relational, and inclusive practices that prepare future educators for the complex realities of contemporary schools. Nicole’s work spans wellbeing-focused curriculum, sustainable assessment practices, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in education. With over ten years’ experience in teacher education, she is committed to supporting pre-service and early career teachers to develop confidence, professional judgment, and emotional resilience. Her research interests are: ethical and sustainable assessment practices, teacher wellbeing and workload, artificial intelligence in education, guidance counselling and school transitions, and social and emotional learning in teacher preparation.

Dr Gloria Gomez is a cross-cultural multi-ethnic female designer of colour, co-founder at OceanBrowser (developers of OB3), adjunct senior lecturer at University of Sydney School of Medicine, and volunteers at the Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand. Gloria is qualified and experienced in conducting research that informs product design, demonstrates its efficacy, and drives meaningful learning in education. She uses the Bridging Design Prototype approach to motivate communities to co-design. Her collaborative research partnerships include a framework to support inclusive design teaching and product evaluation, and exploring how professionals with severe impairment use technology for work and study.

Nashid Nigar, PhD is a lecturer in Education at the University of Melbourne and an award-winning researcher in language education, literacy, and teacher professional identity. With over two decades of interdisciplinary experience, she has taught and led research across RMIT, Monash, Deakin, and Melbourne universities. She was awarded the prestigious Mollie Holman Medal for her PhD at Monash University, which introduced the concept of Hybrid Professional Becoming—an open-ended framework that supports transdisciplinary reimagining of professional identity and advances theoretical and policy insights into migrant teacher inclusion and epistemic justice in Australia. Her current co-authored research with Professor Nick Hopwood reimagines online teacher education through Hybrid Relational Onto-Epistemology, drawing on decentred, Indigenous, feminist, and both Eastern and Western traditions to foster relational, inclusive, and transdisciplinary pedagogies. Dr Nigar has published widely and is actively engaged in public scholarship, with her work continuing to inform national education policy and practice.