11 th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LIFELONG EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR ALL
Venue: Vytautas Magnus University - Faculty of Social Sciences-KAUNAS/ LITHUANIA / JULY 2-4, 2025
Keynote Speakers
1. Keynote Speakers: Prof. Dr. STEPHEN HARMON -Associate Dean of Research, Professional Education
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Executive Director, Center for 21st Century Universities
Biography
Dr. Stephen Harmon serves as associate dean of research at Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE), executive director for the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U), and as professor at the Georgia Tech College of Design. At GTPE and C21U, he leads the invention, prototyping, and validation efforts associated with educational innovation and with managing facilities available to all Georgia Tech researchers and faculty members.
His previous position was professor and chair of the Learning Technologies Division in the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University.
After majoring in English literature at Furman University, Dr. Harmon moved to Upper Egypt to teach fourth-grade English for two years. While traveling through the Middle East and Africa, he realized the tremendous need, and scarce resources, for education and training in developing countries. He returned to the U.S. and earned a masters and doctorate in instructional technology, with a cognate in global policy studies, from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Harmon’s research centers on educational uses of emerging technologies and has, for the last few years, focused on eLearning, particularly with respect to synchronous, online learning environments. He is a past president of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology, an international professional association of thousands of educators and others whose activities are directed toward improving instruction through technology.
Dr. Harmon also conducts research on educational technology in developing countries. He has worked in several Middle Eastern and African countries, including as a consultant for USAID’s Education for Development and Democracy Initiative in Botswana.
Dr. Harmon has over 120 professional publications and presentations and was the 2011 recipient of Georgia State University’s Innovative Instruction Award. He was the spring 2016 commencement speaker at Georgia Southern University.
2. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr. Rimantas Želvys - Vilnius University
Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Želvys has studied at Vilnius University and University of Wolverhampton (United Kingdom). His doctoral degree was awarded at Leningrad V. Bechterev psychoneurologic scientific research institute (Russia), degree of habilitated doctor – at Vilnius Pedagogical University. He is a former Director of Lithuanian In-Service Teachers Training Institute, former Vice-Rector of Vilnius Pedagogical University, former Head of Department of Education at Vilnius University. Currently Rimantas Želvys is a Professor of Education and Head of Education Policy Centre at Vilnius University. He was a consultant and expert of the World Bank, OECD and European Commission in a series of educational projects in post-communist countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He was a visiting professor at Leipzig University (Germany), University of Latvia (Latvia), Semey Shakarim University, National Womens‘ Pedagogical University, Silkway University, Yessenov University, Zhetysu Zhansugurov University and National Abai University (Kazakhstan).
Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Želvys is the author of the book in English „Managing Education in a Period of Change“ (Oslo: ELI Publishing, 1999) and a number of books and academic publications in Lithuanian. His main fields of research are Higher Education, Education Policy and Management, Education Reforms.
Topic:
Educational Leadership and Research-Based Policy Decisions: Can We Use International Large-Scale Student Achievement Studies for Measuring Inclusion and Fairness in Education?
Educational leaders in many countries tend to use the results of international large-scale student achievement studies to initiate curriculum reforms and justify other policy decisions. Politicians and media consider student performance as a key indicator of quality education. Researchers often criticize country rankings, based on student achievement, for a variety of ideological and methodological reasons. Besides that, the broad definition of educational quality embraces both student performance and social justice. In the Incheon Declaration for Education 2030, UNESCO urges to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The presentation describes the experience of using the results of international large scale student achievement studies – PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS – for measuring the level of inclusion and fairness in education.
3. Keynote Speakers: Dr. Berke Szilárd – Obuda University / HUNGARY
Topic: Labor Market Effects of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Applications in Hungary - a managerial and marketing approach
Dr. Szilárd BERKE PhD, habilitated associate professor. His main research interests are organisational and individual well-being, leadership and organisation, strategic and business planning, with a focus on the SME sector. Since 1999 he has been an entrepreneur, trainer and business consultant. His way of thinking is characterized by a combination of the Franklin Covey 7 Habits and Zen philosophy. He is a member of the public body of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Section IX, founder of the international research network Leader`s Habits, leader of the research group "Excellent Leaders, Excellent Organizations".
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Title: Labor Market Effects of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Applications in Hungary - a managerial and marketing approach.
Abstract: It confirmed that the creative industry, and in particular the world of illustrators, is undergoing major, revolutionary changes. The perception of such programs is very divided, with stakeholders seeing them as both a source of danger and a new opportunity. The perception is varied among different generations, with young people more critical and fearful. For businesses, they provide significant cost savings. They are very useful at the design phase and can also achieve a higher level of customization, which is the basis and main objective of marketing orientation. The study also mentions other short cases in the field of HRM, marketing and branding.
4. Keynote Speaker : Prof.Dr. Carlos Sousa de Reis-PORTUGAL
Topic: Cultivating Inclusive School Cultures: Bringing Theory and Practice
Is an Auxiliary professor of Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, CEIS20, University of Coimbra.
-Academic and professional degrees
2008: Doctorate (PhD) in Education Sciences, specialty of Philosophy of Education, by University of Coimbra. Praise and Distinction
Thesis title: Education and media culture: Analysis of un-educative practices (published by Âncora/CEI).
1998: Specialized Trainer for Educational Technology and Communication (B15), Specialized Didactics
(Philosophy – C05) by the Portuguese Scientific-pedagogical Council for In-service Training.
1996: Master in Education Sciences, by University of Coimbra
Thesis title: Advertising’s (un)educative value (published IUC). Very Good
1995: Specialized trainer for Practical and Pedagogical Research and Specialized Didactics (Philosophy) by the Portuguese Scientific-pedagogical Council for In-service Training;
1991: Graduation in Teaching of Philosophy, University of Porto.
1989: Graduation in Philosophy, University of Porto.
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5. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr Pavel Jurs – RTU Liepaja University/ LATVIA
Topic: The use of universal design for learning for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders - challenges to foster wellbeing and creativity
This study analyses the universal teaching design concept, which, using three neuroscience-based principles, offers various strategies for providing the necessary support to all children, regardless of the established diagnosis and promote the well-being and creativity of children as a model of relationships (interactions) between children's and teachers.
Inclusive education trends encourage educational policy makers, implementers and researchers always focus on meeting the needs of different children at all stages of education. Using the analysis of scientific literature and case-study method, the study reflects the preschool period as one of the most important periods in the promotion of children's cognitive and social development, drawing attention to the use of appropriate scientific methods already at an early age. Special attention has been paid to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is still considered one of the most difficult groups of special needs to be included in preschool age. The results of the study confirm that ASD disorders have an extremely wide range of different characteristics and comorbidity with other disorders, and special requirements are placed on the provision of pedagogical support.
He is Pāvels Jurs and I am a professor and senior researcher at the Liepaja Academy of Riga Technical University (Latvia).
His research interests are: civic competence, diversity of pedagogical processes, youth civic engagement, management of educational institutions, and teaching and learning. Academic work experience includes undergraduate and master's level studies in preparing future teachers, social workers, and heads of educational institutions, as well as doctoral studies in research methodology issues. Alongside academic work, I am the principal of Liepaja Amber Secondary School, with leadership and change management experience. By professional qualification, I'm a teacher of history and social sciences.
6. Keynote Speaker: Prof.Dr.Joanna Rosak-Szyrocka– Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland
Title: Transforming Digital Education with Artificial Intelligence: Innovations and Impact
The integration of digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advancements in Information and Computer Technology (ICT), has the potential to revolutionize the educational process. AI is increasingly recognized for its capability to personalize, adapt, and enhance learning experiences by leveraging real-time data. Governments, educational institutions, and technology organizations are exploring AI tools to provide more effective and efficient educational system monitoring, characterized by timely, accurate, and insightful indicators with reduced administrative burden.
Artificial Intelligence, defined as the ability of digital computers or computer-controlled robots to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings, encompasses a wide range of tools and techniques such as algorithms, machine learning, data mining, neural networks, and natural language processing. AI applications in education include intelligent virtual reality, collaborative learning assistants, and personal tutoring systems.
This paper delves into how AI, along with the Internet of Things (IoT) and other advancements in Information and Computer Technology (ICT), is transforming digital education. By leveraging real-time data and sophisticated algorithms, AI offers personalized, adaptive, and engaging learning experiences that cater to individual student needs. This transformation is supported by governments, educational institutions, and tech companies aiming to create more efficient and effective educational systems with reduced administrative burdens and enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Dr. Joanna Rosak-Szyrocka is, Erasmus+ coordinator at the Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. She specialized in the fields of digitalization, industry 5.0, quality 4.0, education, IoT, AI, and quality management. She completed a research internship at the University of Żilina, Slovakia, and at Silesia University of Technology, Poland. Participant in multiple Erasmus+ teacher mobility programs: Italy, UK, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and France. She held a series of lectures on Quality Management at universities in countries such as Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, Hungary, and Italy. She cooperates with many universities both in the country (University of Szczecin, Rzeszów University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology), and abroad (including the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Széchenyi István University, Hungary; University Faisalabad, Pakistan; University of Humanities, China, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania; and Federal University Dutse, Nigeria). Editorial Board: Plos One Journal, PeerJ Journal, and IJQR Journal (ISSN 1800-6450). Reviewer Board: IJERPH MdPI (ISSN 1660-4601) IF: 4.614. Associate Editor for Cogent Business and Management, Taylor & Francis (ISSN: 2331-1975). Guest Editor of: Resources MdPI, IJERPH MdPI, Energies MdPI, Sustainability MdPI, Springer Discover Sustainability Journal, Frontiers Journal, and Elsevier Measurement Journal. Reviewer for a number of prestigious journals like IEEE, Elsevier, MdPI, Frontiers, Sage, and Emerald.
7. Keynote Speaker: Dr.Dan Petrica – Agora Oradea University- ROMANIA
Title: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower creativity
Abstract: This keynote speech will discuss the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and creativity, and how AI is transforming the creative landscape in various domains. An overview of the current state of AI and its integration into the creative process will be provided, highlighting how it complements human creativity by generating art, music, assisting with design and writing. By exploring the collaborative synergy between human intuition and machine-generated outputs, the potential of AI-driven creativity to foster innovation will be uncovered.
Additionally, this speech will examine how AI challenges traditional notions of creativity by raising questions about authorship, originality, and human ingenuity. Ethical considerations and implications of AI's expanding role in the creative process will also be addressed.
The presentation invites the audience to embark on a journey into the world of AI and creativity, uncovering the transformative impact of AI on the creative process and its profound implications on our understanding of creativity.
Bio: Dan Petrica is a Lecturer at the Agora University of Oradea, where he teaches sociology, research methodologies and human security. He holds a PhD in political science and has an educational background in cultural studies, program management, international relations, and regional development policies. He is also his institution’s Erasmus+ Program Coordinator and a council member of the Career Counseling and Guidance Center therein. Outside the academia, he is an International Affairs Researcher for a private entity and a member of the International Vocational Education and Training Association.
