The University of South Florida hosted its second annual AI in Education Summit on June 11, 2026, bringing together educators, researchers, and industry leaders to address how artificial intelligence is altering teaching and learning. The event focused on practical digital literacy and the real-world challenges of integrating these tools into classrooms, directly affecting how schools prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.
Summit highlights and keynote speakers
The College of Education partnered with the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computer to run the event. Attendees participated in hands-on learning sessions designed to strengthen their digital literacy and applied technology skills.
The keynote lineup featured experts spanning cognitive modeling, public policy, and educational administration. John Licato, an associate professor in the Bellini College and founder of the startup Actualization AI, brings expertise in human and legal reasoning. Karni Chagal-Feferkorn, an assistant professor of instruction, examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy.
Practical applications in higher education
Joe Brazier, a Microsoft industry advisor, said his work focuses on enhancing accessibility in higher education and advancing student success. Zafer Unal, a professor and associate dean in the USF College of Education, builds and deploys AI platforms that connect education research with applied technology. Educators looking to build similar foundational skills can explore an AI for Education framework to understand how these tools map to daily classroom needs.
New graduate certificate program
The university also promoted a new Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning. The program requires 12 credit hours across four fully online courses.
Participants learn foundational principles, select and design AI tools, and implement them to enhance student learning and streamline administrative tasks. Professionals seeking structured guidance on this topic may benefit from a dedicated AI Learning Path for Teachers to integrate these technologies into their everyday practice.
Why this matters for educators
Schools need staff who can move beyond theoretical discussions of artificial intelligence and actually deploy these systems in the classroom. Understanding how to select and manage AI tools is becoming a core administrative and instructional competency, not an optional add-on. Educators who build this digital literacy now will be better positioned to define curriculum standards and support student accessibility in the coming academic years.
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