NEXT 2026

Designing for Authenticity: Assessment, AI, and the Future of Learning

The University of Akron invites you to the 9th annual NEXT (New Explorations in Teaching) conference, where we turn our focus toward one of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in education: assessment in the age of artificial intelligence.

This year’s theme, “Designing for Authenticity: Assessment, AI, and the Future of Learning,” explores how we can meaningfully evaluate learning when generative tools are ubiquitous and knowledge is instantly accessible. This year’s conference will showcase innovative assessment strategies that prioritize critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and real-world relevance—without losing sight of integrity.

As you prepare your conference presentation proposal, consider these six questions:

1. Relevance to Theme: How does your presentation directly support student learning, engagement and authentic assessment? Could you specify the tools, strategies, or methodologies you plan to discuss?
2. Impact on Student Success: How does your proposal explore ways to support student learning, success, and student engagement?
3. Innovation and Adaptability: In what ways does your presentation address the changing dynamics of teaching, learning, assessment and/or providing feedback in an era increasingly influenced by technology and AI?
4. Practical Insights: What practical insights or actionable takeaways will attendees gain from your presentation that they can implement to help students flourish and succeed?
5. Interactivity and Engagement: How will you engage the audience and foster meaningful discussions?
6. Future Orientations: What future trends, emerging issues or ethical considerations do you think are important for educators to be aware of, and how does your presentation help prepare them for these changes?

We invite you to submit a proposal along one of our topic areas for the NEXT Conference on March 6, 2026, at the University of Akron. Deadline to submit a proposal for consideration is October 1, 2025.

*Accepted presentations will receive a presenter’s discount on their registration and a certificate of participation.