As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in work and learning, vocational educators face a critical need to engage with these tools thoughtfully and effectively. Nikitha Sambamurthy´s talk explores what vocational educators and education researchers need to know to navigate and shape AI-integrated teaching environments. Drawing on current research and examples, it identifies key knowledge areas that empower educators to use AI tools responsibly, assess their appropriateness and accuracy, and understand the implications for student learning.
In an era where AI is rapidly shaping job markets and skill requirements, vocational education must evolve to meet new demands. Participants will gain insights into when AI enhances learning, where it may introduce risk or bias, and how educators can maintain agency in AI-mediated classrooms. The session will also offer strategies for fostering critical AI literacy and supporting sustainable, ethical integration of AI teaching in practice.
More Information about the Speaker:
Nikitha Sambamurthy, Ph.D. in Engineering Education, has 10+ years of experience developing interactive technical content that makes complex concepts accessible to developers and engineers. As Director at zyBooks (acquired by Wiley), she leads teams of engineering Ph.D.s to create rigorous, evidence-driven curricula in programming, system design, and other technical subjects, reaching over 1 million learners globally, and is skilled in developing scalable, modular content that builds student confidence and deepens their understanding through hands-on problem-solving and real-world applications. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, she is involved in the development of design processes for technical education content that aligns with organizational goals and advances ethical AI use.
