Alt Academy, a groundbreaking Ed-tech institution based in Pakistan, was a prominent participant at the recently concluded 11th edition of the WISE Summit 2023, hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The summit, themed ‘Creative Fluency: Human Flourishing in the Age of AI,’ spanned two days and was organized by WISE, the Qatar Foundation’s global platform for educational innovation.
The Alt Academy delegation, led by Founder and CEO Bilal Hameed and Chief Academic Officer Zenab Tariq, both esteemed educators in Pakistan, immersed themselves in the diverse events of the summit right from the impactful opening plenary featuring a powerful performance by Palestinian rapper MC Abdul.
With a mission rooted in reshaping the landscape of high-stakes examinations through a tech-driven and cost-effective approach, Alt Academy represents the insights gained during both pre- and post-COVID pandemic education scenarios.
The WISE Summit’s panels underscored the transformative impact of AI on traditional education across K-12 schools and universities globally. Zenab Tariq, expressing her enthusiasm, stated,
“The event was an energizing experience and an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded educators and innovators from different contexts, providing invaluable insights into the ethical applications of AI while highlighting its great transformative potential.”
During a panel discussion titled ‘Bridging the Gap: Higher Education and Industry in the Age of AI,’ a statement by Khaled A Harras, Head of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, resonated deeply with the Alt delegation. Harras emphasized the need for a revolution in the education of educators, inspiring the team to not only build better but also to remain committed to continuous learning for improvement.
Bilal Hameed, reflecting on his third visit to the WISE Summit, expressed gratitude for the validation and support received. He emphasized the privilege of meeting peers passionate about changing the world and underscored the event as an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Alt Academy, currently impacting over 60,000 students globally since 2021, engaged with WISE Programme events showcasing AI applications to Learning Experience Design and research presentations highlighting the relationship between teacher well-being and student well-being.
Panels focusing on AI and higher education, as well as AI and skill building, reinforced the critical need for collaboration with educators and institutions in ethically applying AI to enhance student academic experiences.
Beyond the informative sessions, the summit provided an excellent networking opportunity for the Alt delegation to connect with innovators and educators from Pakistan, MENA, Europe, and South Asia.
Bilal Hameed, speaking as an entrepreneur with three founded schools, highlighted the benefits of AI when used ethically, citing its potential to accelerate content production, transform learning experiences, and revolutionize the adoption of digital technology in educational settings globally.
Reflecting on the summit’s impact, Zenab Tariq expressed confidence that educators could harness AI’s capacities to better prepare young people for the future of work. The Alt Academy team, invigorated by their experiences, is more committed than ever to revolutionizing education through technology and leveraging AI as a powerful facilitative tool to unleash human potential. The 11th WISE Summit, according to Zenab, inspired positivity, possibility, and optimism for the future of education.
