Assoc Prof Rachel Fitzgerald | Deputy Associate Dean (Academic)
University of Queensland

Rachel Fitzgerald is an innovative educational leader and Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) at the University of Queensland, driving strategic initiatives that enhance student learning and teaching quality. With expertise in curriculum development, student engagement strategies, and academic program quality, she is committed to fostering excellence in higher education. Rachel’s research focuses on AI in education, microcredentials, and online learning, exploring how technology can enhance learning experiences and outcomes. As a recognized thought leader, she actively contributes to national conversations on the future of teaching focused academic roles, digital learning, and AI policy in higher education. At EduTech 2025 in Sydney, Rachel will address the urgent need for evidence-informed approaches to AI in education, drawing on research and real-world applications. Building on Lodge (2025) and insights from Needed Now in Higher Education (2025), she will explore how institutions can develop trustworthy, evidence-based AI practices to enhance learning, teaching, and assessment. A sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, Rachel continues to shape the future of AI in higher education through research, leadership, and policy advocacy Lodge, J. (2025, February 10). What to do about artificial intelligence now: Examining the real impact on learning. Needed Now in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://needednowlt.substack.com

Appearances:

Day 2 @ 12:30

PANEL - Balancing scalability with student-centered approaches

Prof Alison Beavis, Deputy Dean, UNSW Sydney

Assoc Prof Rachel Fitzgerald, Deputy Associate Dean (Academic), University of Queensland

Ian Li, Director of Research and Policy | Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, Curtin University

Dr Lenka Ucnik, A/g Director, TEQSA

Moderator: Ana Hol, Associate Dean International, School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences Western Sydney University, Western Sydney University

Day 2 @ 13:30

Beyond engagement: Student-informed approaches to AI-enabled learning

As Generative AI continues to shape higher education, institutions must move beyond traditional models of student engagement to embrace authentic partnership approaches. This session explores how educators and students can co-design learning experiences that harness AI’s potential while fostering trust, agency, and ethical responsibility. Drawing from leading research, policy development, and real-world case studies, this presentation highlights innovative strategies that embed student voice into AI-enhanced learning. Key discussion points include:

Trust and Transparency: building AI literacy through student-staff collaboration.
Pedagogical Transformation: rethinking assessments, feedback, and academic integrity in an AI-driven world.
Communities of Practice & Open Educational Resources: supporting sustainable AI integration through collaboration.

By shifting from passive engagement to student-informed, collaborative learning, universities can ensure AI is not merely a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for critical thinking, creativity, and deeper educational impact. This session will explore how thoughtful integration of AI informed by student insights can enhance learning experiences, uphold academic integrity, and foster a culture of trust and innovation in higher education

Assoc Prof Rachel Fitzgerald, Deputy Associate Dean (Academic), University of Queensland

last published: 29/Apr/25 22:35 GMT

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