SQU explores AI, Emotional Intelligence in education
The theme responds to the rising integration of AI tech in education and the need to preserve the human dimensions of teaching and learning
Published: 07:07 PM,Jul 20,2025 | EDITED : 10:07 PM,Jul 20,2025
The programme features expert-led lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions and field visits
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.
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.
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.
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.