About Dr. David Guralnick

David Guralnick envisions a new approach to education and workplace learning. His vision integrates progressive learning theory, advanced technology, and creative, entertaining storytelling to create learning experiences that help people learn to think critically, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions. David holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, where his work synthesized concepts from the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Over the past 30 years, he has designed and evaluated a variety of simulation-based training applications, performance support systems, online courses, mobile applications, and authoring tools for corporate, non-profit, and university audiences.

David holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University, where his work synthesized concepts from the fields of computer science/artificial intelligence, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Over the course of his thirty years in online learning, he has designed and developed simulation-based training applications, electronic performance-support systems, and specialized authoring tools which allow non-technical people, such as writers and trainers, to build e-learning sites.

Among David’s most notable achievements are the creation of the first learn-by-doing simulation for corporate training purposes and the first authoring tool for a non-technical audience that was specific to e-learning. He has been the recipient of over 200 e-learning design awards, and his work has been featured in Wired magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Training magazine (as an Editor's Choice). He has been a regular speaker at both industry and academic events since 1991. He is also the author of the recent book How Organizations Can Make the Most of Online Learning.

David is the current President and CEO of Kaleidoscope Learning. He is also the current president of the International E-Learning Association; founder and chair of The Learning Ideas Conference; Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Advanced Corporate Learning; Chair of the International E-Learning Awards; and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University.

About Dr. Jenny Pange

Jenny (Polyxeni) Pange is a Professor at the University of Ioannina, in the field of Information Technology and Applied Mathematics with an emphasis on educational programs. She is also the former Dean of the university's School of Education and the Director of its Laboratory of “New Technologies and Distance Learning”, at the School of Education. Dr. Pange is a Legal Representative of Greece, on the Board of Advisors of the UNIADRION (Universities of Adriatic and Ionian Basin Association), and is the representative of the University of Ioannina in EUCEN (European Universities Continuing Education Network).

She holds a diploma in Mathematics, an M.Sc. in Statistics, and a Ph.D. in Biometry. Dr. Pange is currently teaching classes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Greece and abroad. Her scientific research includes books and more than 170 publications in journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Pange is a Scientific Coordinator and member of scientific committees of many EEC-funded programs. She has participated in several conferences nationally and internationally, as a keynote or invited speaker, and she has organized national and international conferences and summer schools.

About Dr. Christos Stavrakos

Dr. Stavrakos is a Professor of Byzantine History in the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Ioannina.

Welcome Addresses

David Guralnick, Ph.D., Jenny Pange, Ph.D., and Christos Stavrakos, Ph.D.

Dr. Guralnick, Dr. Pange, and Dr. Stavrakos welcome participants and provide a brief overview of the course.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Learning

David Guralnick, Ph.D.

Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning have been explored and studied for decades, but with the recent advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, AI's role in learning has become more prominent and more widely-discussed than ever before.

In this session, we'll look at the past, present, and potential future roles of AI in learning, exploring different approaches to AI and how AI can, along with other new technologies, allow us to create personalized, authentic, and meaningful learning experiences that go far beyond traditional educational experiences.

About Dr. Alexandra Lotsari-Groumposs

Dr. Lotsari-Groumpou is an instructor in the Foreign Language Unit at the University of Patras in Greece. She holds a B.A. as a double major in English Language and Literature and Classical and Medieval Studies and a M.S. in English literature, both from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

About Dr. Panagiotes Anastasiades

Dr. Anastasiades is a Professor of Lifelong and Distance Learning in the Department of Education at the University of Crete in Greece.