GenAI Seminar Series
MTU Generative AI Seminar Series, a series of short talks exploring how ongoing developments in Generative AI are intersecting with learning, teaching, and academic work.
This free online series will, week by week, bring together leading voices in academia and industry to open discussion and generate ideas on the evolving role of AI in higher education.
Session 1: Mairéad Pratschke
“Generative AI : The Next Normal”
29 January 2025 • 10am • Online
Mairéad Pratschke has been working at the intersection of digital technology and education for 25 years, as a designer, researcher, consultant, author, and speaker. Born in Galway and raised in Canada, Mairéad has worked internationally in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and Spain, and across sectors, from online and campus-based learning to professional and executive education, lifelong learning, and edtech start-ups.
Author of Generative AI and Education (Springer, 2024), she is focused on the future of learning and work, and how to meet the challenges and opportunities that this wave of technological change presents.
Mairéad is the SALC Chair in Digital Education at the University of Manchester, Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Data Science Institute, Visiting Professor at Abertay University in Scotland, and a Research Fellow at the USA’s National AI Institute for Adult Education and Online Learning (AI-ALOE).
She is a member of AI-ALOE’s External Advisory Board, the Digital Learning Institute’s Industry Advisory Council, and the Government of Portugal’s National Council on Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education.
Session 2: Colman O’ Flynn
“How will you use AI to achieve your potential?”
5th February 2025 • 10am • Online
Colman O’Flynn is the site lead for Dell Technologies in Cork. He combines this with the role of Vice President of Strategic Transformation. As a seasoned executive in EMC and Dell, Colman has led teams of all sizes around the globe. Since his move to Vice President of Process Transformation his work has primarily focused on large value creating projects. He is known to do this by increasing cross team collaboration, communicating collective focus on a common goal and forming the structures to achieve those goals.
As site lead Colman focuses on creating an inclusive environment where team members can do their best work as part of Dell’s collective purpose – creating technologies that drive human progress. Colman is an active advocate for Dell’s Employee Resource Groups, particularly True Ability. This group aims to empower team members by educating, raising awareness, and serving as a resource for those impacted by disabilities.
His passion for continuous development is evident through his educational achievements. Colman holds a Certificate in Advanced Business Studies from the Institute of Technology Tralee (1992), a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from the University of Limerick (1994), and a Master of Science from TU Dublin (2005). Colman has served on the governing body of Munster Technological University since 2022.
Session 3: Prof. Richard Watermeyer
“The implications of GenAI for academic labour and leadership”
11th February 2025 • 12am • Online
Professor Richard Watermeyer will delve into the evolving role of Generative AI in academic labor and leadership, drawing from recent qualitative data gathered from UK academics. This insightful talk will explore academics’ perceptions of the benefits and risks associated with Generative AI in their professional work, addressing critical questions about its adoption, resistance, and ethical considerations.
Richard Watermeyer is a Professor of Higher Education and Co-Director of the Centre for Higher Education Transformations at the University of Bristol.
As a sociologist of educational policy, practice, and pedagogy, his research focuses on analyzing changes in higher education driven by global capitalism and its policy implications. He is renowned for his internationally comparative and critical analyses of public engagement and the societal impact of academic functions.
Professor Watermeyer has authored numerous academic books, including, Competitive Accountability in Academic Life: The Struggle for Social Impact and Public Legitimacy. He is also the co-editor of the volume, Pedagogical Peculiarities: Conversations at the Edge of University Teaching and Learning. He is the chief editor of the forthcoming, Handbook on Academic Freedom