The Maldives National University (MNU) has strengthened its efforts to promote inclusive and technology-enhanced education through a professional development workshop titled “Exploring AI for Inclusive Teaching,” equipping academic staff with practical strategies to use artificial intelligence responsibly while addressing diverse student learning needs.
Facilitated by Ahmed Shareef, the workshop highlighted the growing potential of artificial intelligence to support more accessible, engaging, and personalised learning experiences in higher education. The programme focused on making AI tools approachable for educators without advanced technical expertise, encouraging lecturers to explore practical applications that can enhance teaching while maintaining educational quality and inclusivity.
A central focus of the session was introducing simple AI prompting techniques and exploring ways to improve the preparation and presentation of educational materials. Academic staff were encouraged to consider how AI-generated resources could be adapted to accommodate different learning abilities, preferences, and educational backgrounds, supporting more equitable opportunities for student participation and academic achievement.
The workshop placed particular emphasis on critically evaluating AI-generated content through an inclusive teaching perspective. Participants explored the importance of assessing whether digital learning materials are accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners, reinforcing the principle that technological innovation should support rather than create barriers to education.
Ethical considerations formed another key component of the programme, with discussions addressing potential bias in AI-generated content, data privacy, and the risks of overdependence on automated tools. The session highlighted the importance of maintaining human oversight, professional judgement, and responsible decision-making when incorporating artificial intelligence into academic practices.
Moving beyond introductory awareness, the workshop encouraged participants to develop realistic action plans for integrating AI into their teaching responsibilities. This practical approach aimed to help lecturers translate newly acquired knowledge into purposeful instructional strategies while considering the educational and ethical implications of technology use.
The initiative also underscored the importance of continuous professional development in preparing educators to respond to rapid technological advancements. By strengthening AI literacy and encouraging reflective teaching practices, MNU seeks to support academic staff in creating learning environments that are innovative, accessible, and responsive to student needs.
Aligned with priorities of quality education, inclusive and equitable learning, reduced educational inequalities, digital literacy, responsible artificial intelligence, ethical technology use, and lifelong learning, the workshop reflects MNU’s commitment to advancing educational innovation while ensuring that emerging technologies contribute to fairer and more student-centred higher education experiences.
