MIU President Opens First Global Summit on Exponential Education
From March 5-7, online education experts from around the world came together for the first Global Summit on Exponential Education.
The event aims to redefine education, promoting inclusive, accessible, and sustainable learning environments that address the needs of modern society and meet the demands of today’s global job market.
Dr. Daniel Burgos, President of MIU City University Miami, Vice-Rector of UNIR International University of La Rioja, UNESCO Chair in e-learning, and Director of the Research Institute for Innovation in Educational Technologies, opened the event as the inaugural speaker, presenting the following Keys for an Effective Digital Education:
- Disinformation. Dr. Burgos highlighted that the spread of fake news and disinformation disproportionately affects those with less knowledge, making them an easier target for manipulation by governments or powerful groups. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has exacerbated this problem, as automated responses amplify the disinformation.
- Taking shortcuts. The use of tools like ChatGPT has increased plagiarism in academic settings. Acts of deception and taking shortcuts have become more common, affecting the integrity of the learning process.
- Human nature. People tend to prioritize comfort and time-saving, resulting in deceptive practices. This is particularly detrimental to online education, as it compromises genuine educational experiences and meaningful learning.
- Cognitive capacity. Our cognitive capacity has declined in recent years: we are only able to sustain focused attention for 8 minutes before our minds start to process incoming information automatically.
- Social and digital exclusion. Those who do not know how to use digital technology, especially the elderly, face increasing levels of social isolation and disconnection in modern society.
- Distinguishing fact from fiction. People present themselves very differently in the digital world vs. in-person reality. Influencers and others spread misinformation on social networks, where “hollow words” are used to sell products and the truth is not always available.
Dr. Burgos also mentioned UNIR’s declaration on AI and the balance between what we give and what we receive, inviting the audience to read an article about the ethical use of artificial intelligence in education (article in Spanish).
He closed with a message of hope, speaking about the importance of analog work and critical thinking. He emphasized how reasoning helps people expose falsehoods and identify truths, allowing them to become good citizens and responsible adults.
Dr. Burgos’s presentation kicked off the three-day event, where dozens of respected academics, researchers, professors, and online education experts lead discussions revolving around four main topics:
- Technological innovation in education: Implementing advanced digital tools and success stories.
- Inclusion and equality: Policies and strategies to close the digital divide in education.
- International collaboration: Networks and alliances for sharing best practices.
- Educational sustainability: Incorporating responsible practices into education systems.
These talks encouraged transformative actions in inclusive policies, corporate social responsibility, and regional collaboration.
The summit’s objectives are clear:
- Promote global leadership in exponential education that combines technological innovation with advanced pedagogy.
- Discuss and present projects related to artificial intelligence and digital education.
- Build strategic alliances between educational, technological, and governmental institutions.
- Address social inclusion and reduce the digital divide in vulnerable communities.
Achieving these goals, especially reducing socioeconomic inequality and making digital education accessible to all, will require many different people and organizations working together. Businesses can help support sustainable development and local communities through educational initiatives, while local organizations and governments must join forces to address common challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, strengthening ties and cooperation networks between countries is an essential way to share best practices and resources for the collective advancement of an interconnected global community.
Insights from this event will benefit education ministers and secretaries, international organizations, corporate and technological leaders, educators and academics, NGOs, and university students.
Watch a full recording of the event here:
As the summit’s slogan says, Be Part of the Change: The Revolution Starts Today!
