Smart Education and e-Learning

Kayoko Kurita, Ph.D., is a professor and deputy director at the Center for Research and Development of Higher Education, the University of Tokyo. Her research interests lie in faculty development, teaching portfolios, teaching statements, and the professional preparation of graduate students for academic careers. She has played a central role in designing and implementing pre-faculty development and graduate teaching certificate programs in Japan. Her recent work focuses on reflective practice, evidence-based educational development, and the application of generative AI to support teaching reflection and professional learning. She is actively engaged in international collaborations across higher education development, systems thinking in education, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Dr. Peter Ilic is a senior associate professor in the Center for Language Research at the University of Aizu in Japan. He holds a BA in History from McMaster University, an M.Ed. in TESOL from Temple University, an M.Sc. in Educational Research from the University of Exeter, and a PhD in Education from the University of Exeter. His doctoral research focused on the use of mobile devices for collaborative learning. His ongoing research continues to focus on information and communications technology in education, leading to an edited book on micro-lessons and a second volume with Springer on AI in education. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles, delivered keynote addresses, and presented widely at international conferences. He serves as a managing editor of the International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies (IJWLTT) and as an editorial board member for several journals and conference committees.

Prof. Robert J. Howlett is the academic chair of KES International, a non-profit organization which facilitates knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research results in areas including Intelligent Systems, Sustainability, and Knowledge Transfer. He is a visiting professor in Sustainable Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK, a visiting professor at "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad, Romania, and has also been a visiting professor for Enterprise at Bournemouth University, UK. His technical expertise is in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for the solution of industrial problems. His current interests center on the application of intelligent systems to sustainability, particularly renewable energy, with applications in housing and sustainable agriculture. He previously developed a national profile in knowledge and technology transfer and the commercialization of research.

Professor Lakhmi C. Jain, Ph.D., Dr. H.C., ME, BE(Hons), Fellow (Engineers Australia), is with the University of Piraeus, Athens. He was formerly with the University of Technology Sydney, Liverpool Hope University, the University of Canberra, and Bournemouth University. Professor Jain serves the KES International for providing a professional community the opportunities for publications, knowledge exchange, cooperation, and teaming. Involving around 5,000 researchers drawn from universities and companies worldwide, KES facilitates international cooperation and generate synergy in teaching and research. KES regularly provides networking opportunities for professional community through one of the largest conferences of its kind in the area of KES.