Fez – Rabat hosted today the Annual International ELT Conference under the theme “ Human First, Technology Second: Inclusive AI English Language Teaching”, bringing together educators and experts to examine how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly in English language teaching.
The event gathered teachers, researchers, and academic professionals from across Morocco, including Marrakech, Meknes, Agadir, Oujda, and Kenitra, alongside international speakers from the UK, the US, Finland, Egypt, and Lebanon.
It provided a timely platform to discuss current challenges in English language teaching, with a clear focus on the growing influence of AI in education.
From the outset, the conference reflected a strong sense of collaboration between primary and secondary school teachers, university faculty, and researchers.
Discussions centered on a shared goal: understanding how to integrate AI into education in a way that is both effective and responsible.
A key message that emerged was the need to move beyond the debate over whether students should use AI.
Instead, participants stressed the importance of rethinking teaching methods and assessment models to reflect new realities in the classroom.
As one speaker noted, the real question is no longer if AI should be used, but how it should be used.
Lhoussine Qasserras, chair of the conference, highlighted in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) the importance of keeping human values at the center of technological change.
He stated that AI is not a “replacement for teachers, but a tool that can support and enhance their work.”
His remarks indicate a balanced approach that combines innovation with the essential role of educators.
The conference also focused on practical solutions.
Workshops and presentations offered teachers concrete tools and strategies to adapt to technological change, integrate AI into their lessons, and improve student outcomes.
David Squirrel, Business Development Manager and Academic Consultant at Hamilton House Publishers UK, stressed the importance of critical thinking.
He told MWN that “students must be trained to choose and use AI tools carefully”, underlining the need for responsible and informed use of technology.
Overall, the conference in Rabat offered a clear and constructive discussion on the future of education.
It reinforced the idea that AI, when used thoughtfully, can support teaching and learning without replacing the human role at the center of education.
