AI Teachtalks: Competencies for Using AI in Education

Workshop Overview

Event: AI Teachtalks: Competencies for Using AI in Education

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms academic research, teaching, and learning, higher education must move beyond basic tool adoption toward a critical, ethical, and reflective practice.

This presentation frames digital competence not merely as technical skill, but as the capacity to mobilize and integrate Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) to solve complex pedagogical challenges. Designed for researchers, academics, and educators, the session explores leading international AI competency frameworks, examines the theoretical foundations of the Model of Teachers' Digital Competencies for the Use of AI in Education (developed in Brazil), and highlights recent research from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) on the vital role of socio-affective competencies in digital learning environments.

Key Topics Covered

Digital Competencies in Education: Mobilizing Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

AI Competency Frameworks: Comparing leading global standards with the Brazilian model for educators' digital competencies.

Ethical & Purposeful AI Use: Transitioning from instrumental technology adoption to critical and reflective pedagogical engagement.

Socio-Affective Dimensions: Understanding the emotional and social factors shaping online and AI-enhanced learning.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Patricia Alejandra Behar is a Full Professor at the School of Education and in the Graduate Programs in Education and Educational Informatics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil.

Since 2000, Dr. Behar has coordinated the Center for Digital Technology Applied to Education (NUTED) at UFRGS, where she led the creation of ROODA, the university's first institution-wide virtual learning environment. Her extensive international academic record includes visiting professorships at Teachers College, Columbia University and Ed@Lab (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya), and she currently serves as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of California, Riverside.

Dr. Behar is a prominent author in educational informatics, with seminal books including Digital Competences in Education: From Concept to Practice, Pedagogical Models in Distance Education, and Competencies in Online Education. She also serves as an active member of leading national and international scientific organizations, including IFIP, ABED, FAPERGS, and the National Network for Science for Education.

Registration Link: https://ucriverside.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SVcCQle0uXL1dh2dg