SQU launches 3rd summer school focused on emotional and AI integration in higher education
Salalah – The third edition of the summer school for academic staff at higher education institutions in Oman kicked off today in Dhofar Governorate. Organized by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the six-day event is themed 'Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education' and is being held at the Salalah Rotana Hotel.
The opening was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, with officials and academic staff from six higher education institutions in attendance.
The initiative, part of SQU's efforts to boost academic development and promote educational tourism during the Khareef season, brings together 50 participants. It features interactive workshops, expert talks, and discussion sessions aimed at balancing digital advancement with emotional intelligence in academic environments.
Dr. Asma bint Saeed al Ghassaniyah, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, highlighted the program's growing scope and its role in enhancing collaboration across institutions.
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Observer
21-07-2025
- Observer
SQU explores AI, Emotional Intelligence in education
SALALAH: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) officially launched the third edition of its annual Summer School, held under the theme 'The Integration of Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.' The programme is taking place at the Rotana Hotel in Salalah and continues until July 26, as part of the university's broader efforts to advance academic development and promote educational tourism during the Khareef Dhofar Season. This year's edition brings together approximately 50 academic participants from six higher education institutions across Oman. The six-day programme features expert-led lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions and field visits to key tourist and heritage sites in Dhofar Governorate. In its opening address, the organising committee welcomed the participants and highlighted the significant expansion of the Summer School since its inception. While the first edition included just three institutions, the current edition has doubled that number - reflecting the growing relevance of the school's academic themes and its role as a collaborative national platform. The committee noted that the choice of this year's theme responds to the rising integration of artificial intelligence technologies in education and the pressing need to preserve the emotional and human dimensions of teaching and learning. True innovation, it added, lies not only in technological advancement but in leveraging such tools to serve human development and social well-being. The opening day featured a high-level panel discussion titled 'Thriving Societies Through the Integration of Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.' The session brought together leading academic voices from Oman and abroad. Among the panellists was Dr Awadh bin Amer al Rawas, a senior academic and innovation adviser who serves as Non-Resident Dean at the University of Newfern in Georgia, and holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex in the UK. Dr Al Rawas is widely recognised for his contributions to digital transformation and education reform. The programme features expert-led lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions and field visits Also speaking was Dr Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice-Provost for Teaching and Learning at Brock University in Canada. A global expert in open education, he sits on the boards of several international organisations that advocate for social justice in education and the ethical use of technology. Dr Jhangiani is affiliated with the Inclusive Education Lab and the British Columbia Working Group on Technology Ethics. Dr Mahmood al Maawali, a psychologist and certified trainer in career development and academic counselling, also joined the panel. He holds a doctorate in psychological counselling and has led professional development programmes across both the public and private sectors in Oman and Qatar. The session concluded with a series of forward-looking recommendations aimed at shaping academic strategies in Oman's higher education sector. These included the adoption of holistic teaching philosophies that integrate emotional intelligence with technical expertise, the development of institutional frameworks to guide ethical AI usage, and the expansion of faculty training in both soft skills and emerging technologies. The panellists also underscored the importance of designing smart learning environments that support diverse learning styles and encourage meaningful teacher–student interaction. Finally, the panel called for a redefinition of academic leadership - one that embraces emotional awareness and champions the responsible, human-centred application of artificial intelligence in education. As part of the week-long programme, the participants will engage in specialised workshops and thematic seminars. A guided field visit on the third day will showcase Salalah's natural beauty and cultural heritage, reinforcing the link between academic exploration and cultural immersion. The Summer School reflects Sultan Qaboos University's ongoing commitment to raising educational standards, fostering innovation in pedagogy, and positioning Dhofar as an emerging hub for academic and scientific exchange.
Muscat Daily
20-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
SQU launches 3rd summer school focused on emotional and AI integration in higher education
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – The third edition of the summer school for academic staff at higher education institutions in Oman kicked off today in Dhofar Governorate. Organized by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the six-day event is themed 'Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education' and is being held at the Salalah Rotana Hotel. The opening was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, with officials and academic staff from six higher education institutions in attendance. The initiative, part of SQU's efforts to boost academic development and promote educational tourism during the Khareef season, brings together 50 participants. It features interactive workshops, expert talks, and discussion sessions aimed at balancing digital advancement with emotional intelligence in academic environments. Dr. Asma bint Saeed al Ghassaniyah, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, highlighted the program's growing scope and its role in enhancing collaboration across institutions.
Times of Oman
20-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Integration of emotional, artificial intelligence in higher education addressed
Salalah: The third edition of the Summer School for faculty members of higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman kicked off on Sunday in Dhofar Governorate. Organised by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) under the theme 'The Integration of Emotional and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education," the six-day event is being held at Rotana Salalah Hotel. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, in the presence of several officials and academic faculty members from higher education institutions. The Summer School is part of Sultan Qaboos University's efforts to support academic development and promote academic tourism during Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season. It brings together 50 academics and professionals from six higher education institutions across Oman. The Summer School's agenda features interactive workshops, panel discussions, and meetings with local and international experts, aiming to enrich participants' knowledge and raise awareness about fostering future-ready communities through the integration of emotional and artificial intelligence in higher education. Sultan Qaboos University continues to leverage such initiatives to promote a culture of academic excellence and enhance faculty preparedness in adapting to modern educational shifts, aligning with Oman's aspirations for a resilient and integrated higher education system.
