The NATO DEEP eAcademy hosted an international online conference focused on identifying training and development needs for 2026, strengthening cooperation within the Online Teaching Fundamentals Course (OTFC) and e-Instructor Certification Programme (eICP) alumni community, and sharing the best practices in Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). The event also introduced the objectives of the DEEP Artificial Intelligence Experience (AIx) initiative, encouraging participants to engage in future collaboration.
Held online via the DEEP Portal BBB platform, the conference brought together 72 participants representing the OTFC and eICP communities. The programme included an opening session, a keynote presentation, parallel expert panel discussions, a summary session, and closing remarks.
A keynote speech titled “From Traditional Training to Cognitive Dominance: The AI-Driven Transformation of Learning and Knowledge” provided an in-depth look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, training, and decision-making processes. This set a strong foundation for subsequent thematic modules and discussions.
During the working sessions, speakers shared practical experiences and innovative approaches, including:
- AI-supported educational content creation,
- the implementation of digital portals to support educational management,
- the use of AI in assessment and virtual classroom humanization,
- and project-based learning approaches supporting English language development.
Three specialist panels offered a platform for meaningful exchange on ADL and competency development, instructor support and platform administration, and forward-looking eLearning design for 2026. The interactive format encouraged discussion of challenges, needs, and future opportunities, resulting in high engagement across the alumni community.
Way Forward
Participants emphasized the importance of:
- continuing alumni cooperation through online and hybrid events,
- expanding communication channels,
- increasing the practical dimension of eAcademy activities,
- focusing on AI-driven solutions in education,
- and strengthening alumni participation in ongoing DEEP initiatives.
All participants will receive certificates of completion.
The conference successfully reinforced networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the OTFC and eICP alumni communities, further strengthening the role of ADL in modern military and security education.