GAI&FE 2026 - 1st Workshop on Generative AI and Frugality in Education

Workshop 

The rapid integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into higher education raises both opportunities and challenges. While these tools have demonstrated their potential to transform teaching, learning, and research practices, they also pose critical issues related to sustainability, resource allocation, and ethical adoption. This workshop will focus on the concept of frugality in the use of GenAI within education: how can institutions leverage GenAI in ways that are pedagogically meaningful, ethically responsible, and economically viable?

Building on recent research, including comparative studies across twelve countries (with a special focus on China) and presentations at international conferences such as MCIS 2025, this workshop aims to bring together scholars and practitioners to discuss models, frameworks, and empirical evidence. We will address the tensions between technological enthusiasm and resource constraints, explore how educators can adopt GenAI responsibly, and examine the implications of digitalization for an aging academic workforce and student populations with diverse needs.

List of topics of interest  

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

•         Frugality and sustainability in GenAI adoption in education

•         Cross-cultural perspectives on the use of GenAI in teaching and learning

•         Comparative analyses of GenAI adoption in Europe, China, and other regions

•         Ethical and pedagogical considerations of frugal AI practices

•         Resource-efficient models of AI integration in higher education

•         AI-driven tools for aging populations and lifelong learning

•         GenAI in curriculum design: balancing innovation and sustainability

•         Human–computer interaction and frugal interface design for education

•         The impact of AI-enabled platforms on student engagement and inclusion

•         Institutional strategies for cost-effective AI deployment

•         AI in agricultural education and rural contexts (with reference to Sino-European collaborations)

•         Digital transformation challenges linked to AI and sustainability in universities

Organizing Committee 

• Jean-Éric Pelet, KMCMS, France (Chair), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·       Álvaro Rocha, ISEG, University of Lisbon, Portugal (co-Chair), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Program Committee (TBC) 

• Fernando Moreira, Portucalense University, Portugal
• …