Indore, 22nd November 2024: D2L, a leading learning management system (LMS) provider, successfully concluded its academic roundtable on “Integrating AI and Ensuring Accessibility for Modern Higher Education Learners”. The roundtable successfully brought together key industry professionals including educators and administrators to discuss actionable strategies for creating inclusive, personalized and accessible learning experiences. The session focused on how institutions can enhance learning through innovative approaches and ensure that all students, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities benefit from these advances.
The event began with a discussion led by Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar, Global Accessibility lead, D2L. She said “At D2L, we strive to ‘reach every learner’ regardless of their age, ability or location. We don’t just offer a one-size-fits-all LMS; instead, we build tailored solutions that address specific challenges. With online learning and LMS, education becomes accessible to learners of any age or condition. We ensure our platform works for everyone, adapting to diverse needs.” She further stated, “Whether a student has a physical, cognitive or sensory disability or faces other unique circumstances, we are committed to providing the tools, resources and support they need to thrive. By putting accessibility at the core of our product design and development, we aim to redefine what’s possible in the world of education and empower a new generation of diverse, confident learners.”
Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Regional Director – South Asia, D2L, further enriched the discussion by highlighting AI and technology’s transformative impact on education. He noted “Today’s education system is being transformed by generative AI (GenAI), predictive data analytics, and LMSs, making learning more accessible, personalized and efficient. GenAI enables ethical and engaging learning experiences through adaptive quizzes and assignments, fostering regular practice. Predictive analytics leverages LMS data to identify students excelling and those needing additional support, allowing educators to customize assignments based on individual learning levels. This ensures tailored intervention, improving outcomes for all learners.” He then emphasized “Technology has made education portable—students can interact with teachers anytime, anywhere, breaking traditional barriers. Innovative practices like video-based assignments enable creative expression and deeper understanding. These tools not only save time and reduce manual efforts for educators but also create an inclusive learning environment.”
This was followed by a roundtable discussion centered on three pivotal themes. First, panelists explored the transformative role of GenAI in education, emphasizing its potential to personalize learning, boost student engagement and streamline content creation. The conversation then shifted to data analytics and its impact on student success, with participants examining how predictive analytics can identify learning gaps and drive targeted interventions. Accessibility emerged as a key focus, as experts discussed how technology is breaking down barriers for students with disabilities.
The panel featured esteemed members of Indore’s academic community, including Dr. Rajesh Dixit, vice chancellor of Renaissance University; Prof. (Dr.) Vinith Kumar Nair, vice chancellor of Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences; Dr. Prashant Lakkadwal, HOD of IT at Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research; and Dr. Sanjeev Narang, officiating vice chancellor of Malwanchal University, among others. Together, they emphasized the significance of accessibility, AI-powered personalization, and outcome-based learning in modern education, underscoring the evolving role of educators as facilitators and the potential of technology to create a more inclusive and adaptable educational landscape.