Emerging Technologies and Skills for the Future
On May 7, 2025, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) convened its annual Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium (TL&RS). This year’s symposium explored the critical theme: "Emerging Technologies and Skills for the Future".
The event provided a high-level academic platform for educators and researchers to examine how rapid technological advancements are redefining the pedagogical landscape and the competencies required for the modern workforce.
Strategic Vision and Keynote Insights
The symposium opened with a welcome address by Dr. Komiljon Karimov, WIUT Rector. This was followed by a keynote address from Denise Waddingham, Country Director of the British Council, titled "Teaching for Tomorrow: Preparing Students for the Workforce of the Future," which set a global context for the day’s discussions on bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Thematic Exploration: Technology, Pedagogy, and Ethics
The 2025 program utilized a dynamic 20x20 presentation format to showcase diverse research areas:
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Shifts: Dr. Hamid Reza Shahbazkia challenged traditional educational frameworks in his provocative session, "Sorry, Bloom's Taxonomy—AI Just Ctrl+Alt+Del You," while Rano Khamraeva investigated the dual role of AI in virtual exchanges regarding global citizenship.
Inclusion and Access: Gulnoza Kamilova addressed the "digital divide," emphasizing the necessity of ensuring technological access for a diverse student body. Elena Volkova and Elvira Alikhanova presented on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to remove barriers in inclusive education.
Active Learning and Simulation: The efficacy of gamification and simulations was explored by Dr. Julian Pineres, Isabel Cristina Velasco, and Dr. Prabha Kiran, who demonstrated how gaming fosters integrative strategic thinking.
Critical Thinking and Values: Dr. Viktoriya Levinskaya advocated for academic debates as a tool for engagement , while Rano Rozikova reminded the assembly of the enduring importance of human values, respect, and relationships in higher education.
Professional Excellence and Global Recognition
Continuing the university's tradition of rewarding academic excellence, the best presenters were awarded the opportunity to showcase their research at the University of Westminster’s Learning & Teaching Symposium in London in July 2025. The event concluded with the announcement of winners and a celebratory group photo, marking another milestone in WIUT’s commitment to shaping future-ready graduates.
The first place was awarded to Elena Volkova, Hamid Reza second place and Tamilla Tagieva is third place for their contribution on symposium.
