العربية
As part of its ongoing efforts to empower students and enhance their academic and intellectual skills from the earliest stages of their university journey, Sohar University, represented by the General Foundation Program, organized the First GFP ‘ Conference under the theme “Empowering Students in the 21st Century”, on the morning of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the university’s campus. The conference witnessed broad participation from academic staff and students, along with international contributions from academics and experts in higher education and digital technologies.
The conference opened with a speech by Dr. Hamdan bin Suleiman Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, in which he stated:
“The use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education offers immense promise in transforming the educational landscape and of course it has the potential to bring a massive paradigm shift in HE, offering new opportunities for personalized learning, improved student outcomes, and enhanced teaching practices, as well as enhancing students’ research nexus. In addition, by leveraging AI technologies, educational institutions can create adaptive learning environments, provide students with personalized feedback, and support educators in developing innovative teaching methods.”
The opening session also featured two keynote addresses. The first was delivered by Professor Ahmed Kaid, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at Sohar University, titled “ AI in Education: Opportunities and Responsibilities.” The second keynote was presented by Professor Fawzia Al Seyabi, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, under the title “ Empowering Minds: Innovating Teaching to Transform University and Foundation Programs.”
In addition, a specialized workshop was delivered by Ms. Munira Al Wahaibi from Sultan Qaboos University, titled “ Smart Teaching, Smarter Learning: AI Tools for Dynamic ESL Instruction.”
The conference included 13th parallel sessions, comprising a total of 56 academic presentations and research papers, delivered across various halls on campus and via online platforms. These sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including: AI in Language Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Feedback, Student Engagement and Learning Spaces, Immersive and Innovative Technologies, Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity, Student Autonomy and 21st Century Skills, AI Literacy and Educational Innovation, Language Skills Development with AI, Assessment and Feedback Strategies, Learner Autonomy and Self-Assessment, Innovative Language Teaching Approaches, AI Integration and Critical Thinking, Digital Technologies and Academic Integrity, and 21st Century Skills and Digital Competencies.
More than 80 speakers from higher education institutions in Oman and 11 other countries—including France, Spain, Morocco, the UAE, Malaysia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, Nigeria, and Algeria—took part in the conference, allowing for rich exchanges of experience and insights on leveraging modern technologies in higher education.
This conference represents a significant addition to Sohar University’s academic initiatives, showcasing its commitment to developing a supportive and innovation-driven learning environment. It also provides academic platforms that enrich the student experience and equip them to navigate their academic and professional paths with confidence. The event is part of Sohar University’s strategic plan and aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes building a knowledge-based, empowered society.