EDUCAUSE Symposium | The Power of Play: Reimagining Higher Education in the Age of AI–December 2025

December 8, and 10, 2025 | 12:00 noon–3:30 p.m. ET
Online

Event Description

Around the world, educators are rediscovering the transformative power of play—now amplified by the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Playful pedagogy, grounded in research and driven by curiosity, is proving to be a powerful approach for engaging students across disciplines. When paired with AI tools, it becomes even more dynamic, opening up new pathways for exploration, experimentation, and personalized learning.

Whether teaching chemistry or composition, data science or design, AI-enhanced playful pedagogy can shift classroom culture, deepen engagement, and improve both learning outcomes and the student experience.

In this interactive PLAYposium, we’ll delve into the science and practice of play in higher education. Through global examples, hands-on experimentation, and collaborative exploration, you’ll learn how to harness AI to support playful learning in your own teaching. Come ready to question conventional norms, try out low-stakes strategies, and reimagine your role as an educator in a creative, AI-augmented world.

Come on, let’s play!

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain foundational theories and research supporting playful pedagogy in higher education, with attention to how generative AI tools can amplify engagement, creativity, and exploration.
  • Identify global examples of playful, AI-integrated teaching practices across a variety of disciplines, modalities, and course levels.
  • Evaluate how playful pedagogy—enhanced by AI—can help address critical challenges in higher education such as learner engagement, a sense of belonging, and creative problem-solving.
  • Reflect on their own pedagogical values and identify opportunities to incorporate playful, AI-supported strategies into their instructional design and classroom practice.

Symposium Highlights

  • icon: lightbulb with a brain in it

    Gain Valuable Insights from Engaging Sessions Designed for Practical Application

  • icon: world with three silhouettes connected around it

    Connect with Your Higher Ed Teaching and Learning Community

  • icon: clipboard with game plan

    Be Inspired to Act with Strategies You Can Apply on Your Campus

Teaching and Learning Symposium Program Committee

The Teaching and Learning Symposium is informed, planned, and organized by an engaged, passionate, and experienced team of higher education teaching and learning professionals. Thank you to the program committee!