Ashok Goel, executive director of the U.S.  National Science Foundation AI-ALOE, delivered the closing plenary session at the 2025 Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR) conference in Portland.

In conversation with UPCEA Senior Fellow Ray Schroeder, Goel discussed AI-ALOE’s work in developing artificial intelligence solutions for online adult learning and education. The session, AI-ALOE: Cutting Edge AI for Adult Learning and Online Education, showcased three of the institute’s flagship innovations — Jill Watson, Ivy, and SAMI — each designed to advance effectiveness, efficiency, access, scale, and personalization in digital education.

AI-ALOE uses a transformative model that applies AI to enhance online adult learning while also using online adult education to inform AI development. The institute’s research integrates theories of human cognition and learning with large-scale data analysis and is tested across a wide range of real-world applications.

SOLAR 25 brought together senior leaders, practitioners, and innovators in higher education to explore strategies for digital transformation, innovation, and strategic leadership. The event offered a curated environment for networking and sharing best practices in online education.

Credit: Julie Uranis