2026 the 11th International Conference on Distance Education and Learning
Hangzhou, China | June 12-15, 2026
Special Session 1: Education in the Free Knowledge Era: Challenges and Opportunities for Learning and Work Flyer
Prof. Zhiguo Yang
Missouri State University, USA
Chair's Message: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and large language models has ushered in what may be called the free knowledge era, where information, explanations, and problem-solving assistance are instantly available through AI systems. Students can now generate answers to homework questions, write essays, analyze data, and even produce software code with minimal effort. While these technologies greatly expand access to knowledge, they also challenge traditional assumptions about the role and purpose of education.
If knowledge retrieval and problem-solving can be outsourced to AI tools, important questions emerge: What should education teach? How should learning be assessed? Does traditional education still matter when knowledge is instantly accessible? As AI increasingly performs cognitive tasks once carried out by skilled professionals, educational institutions must also reconsider how they prepare students for a rapidly evolving labor market.
This special session invites researchers, educators, and policymakers to explore the implications of the free knowledge era for education, pedagogy, and workforce development. We welcome submissions presenting conceptual perspectives, empirical research, pedagogical innovations, policy analyses, and technological solutions addressing how education systems can adapt to AI-enabled learning environments.
Special Session 1-Submission Link
Special Session 2: Large Language Models (LLMs) for Teaching and Learning: Emerging Applications in Education Flyer
Prof. Dr. Liyuan Liu
Saint Joseph’s University, USA
Dr. Yiyun Zhou
National Board of Medical Examiners, USA
Chairs' Message: Large Language Models (LLMs) are rapidly emerging as powerful tools that can support teaching and learning across a wide range of educational settings. From generating instructional materials and assisting with assessment to supporting personalized learning and intelligent tutoring, these models are beginning to influence how educational content is created, delivered, and evaluated. At the same time, their growing adoption raises important questions about effectiveness, reliability, academic integrity, and the evolving role of educators in AI-assisted learning environments. This special session aims to explore emerging applications of large language models in education and to encourage interdisciplinary discussions on how these technologies can be responsibly integrated into teaching and learning practices. We welcome contributions that examine practical applications, system designs, empirical evaluations, pedagogical implications, and ethical considerations related to the use of LLMs in educational contexts. By bringing together researchers and educators working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, this session seeks to provide a forum for sharing new ideas, experiences, and research findings on the opportunities and challenges of LLM-supported education.
• Applications of LLMs in teaching and learning
• AI-assisted instructional design and educational content generation
• LLMs for assessment, grading, and feedback
• Intelligent tutoring systems and conversational learning agents
• Personalized and adaptive learning supported by LLMs
• Human–AI collaboration in educational environments
• Evaluation and effectiveness of AI-supported learning tools
• Ethical, social, and pedagogical implications of generative AI in education
• Academic integrity and responsible use of AI in educational settings
• Integration of LLM-based technologies into educational platforms and learning systems
• Other topics related to LLMs and Education
Special Session 2-Submission Link
Special Session 3: AI-Empowered Educational Technology: Innovations and Applications Across Diverse Learning Contexts Flyer
Prof. Ruohan Li
National University of Defense Technology, China
Chair's Message: With the accelerating evolution of artificial intelligence, educational technology is entering a transformative phase, offering unprecedented opportunities to redefine learning experiences. As AI increasingly serves as a pivotal driver of educational reform, it is essential to critically examine how these technological advancements can be effectively leveraged across various educational sectors. This Special Session is dedicated to exploring the latest research and practical implementations of AI-driven pedagogy. We aim to showcase cutting-edge developments ranging from personalized learning environments and intelligent tutoring systems to data-driven decision-making frameworks. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practice, the session will highlight innovative solutions applicable to basic education, higher education, vocational training, special needs education, and lifelong learning. We invite scholars and practitioners to discuss how technological innovation is reshaping the educational landscape and to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by this digital paradigm shift.
• Generative AI in Education
• Smart Learning Environments
• Personalized and Adaptive Learning
• Educational Data Mining and Learning Analytics
• Human-AI Collaboration in Education
• AI Ethics, Privacy, and Safety
• AI in Specific Educational Contexts
• Teacher Digital Literacy
Special Session 3-Submission Link