29 September - 1 October 2026
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The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Raheem Zafar
Senior Lecturer in International Education - University of Sunderland
I am a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the University of Sunderland and the Module Leader for the PGCE Education (French Medium), the first distance-learning PGCE programme delivered entirely in French. I'm leading the design, development, and global implementation of this innovative programme, scheduled for international launch at the beginning of 2027.
I'm an experienced international education leader with over 25 years of experience across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. My work focuses on global teacher education, distance learning, leadership development, curriculum innovation, and inclusive international education.
I'm also an International School Inspector with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), contributing to quality assurance and international school standards. I'm currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) with UCL while preparing to begin a PhD in International Education at the University of Sunderland.
Speaker Sessions
EdTech In Action
1526
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Distance, Not Distant: Leveraging Educational Technology to Transform Teacher Education and Professional Development
Session Summary:
This session would explore how digital technologies, online learning platforms, AI-powered tools, virtual collaboration, and innovative pedagogical approaches are being used to deliver high-quality teacher education across international contexts. Drawing on the development of the University of Sunderland's pioneering French-medium distance learning PGCE programme, I will share practical examples of how technology can increase access, engagement, inclusion, and professional growth for educators worldwide. Key themes would include:
• The role of EdTech in addressing global teacher shortages
• Building engaging online learning communities for teachers
• AI and digital tools to support professional development
• Enhancing learner engagement in distance education
• Using technology to widen access to teacher qualifications
• Future trends in teacher education and digital learning
Speakers
Raheem Zafar
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Senior Lecturer in International Education - University of Sunderland
Categories
AI and EdTech
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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