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Speakers

The IAFOR International Conference on Arts & Humanities in Hawaii (IICAH) is a multidisciplinary conference held concurrently with The IAFOR International Conference on Education in Hawaii (IICEHawaii). Keynote, Featured and Spotlight Speakers will provide a variety of perspectives from different academic and professional backgrounds. Registration for either of these conferences permits attendance in both.

This page provides information about presenters. For details of presentations and other programming, please visit the Programme page.

Become a Speaker

Excellent plenary speakers are central to our conferences, ensuring that timely, innovative and engaging content is presented to our audiences around the world. If you would like to be considered for a speaking slot at one of our conferences, please apply below.

Apply to Speak

Plenary Speakers

  • Chih-Pu Dai
    Chih-Pu Dai
    University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States
  • Dorothy Hirata
    Dorothy Hirata
    University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
  • Paul McKimmy
    Paul McKimmy
    University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States
  • Michael Menchaca
    Michael Menchaca
    University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States

Spotlight Speakers

Previous Speakers

View details of speakers at past IICAH conferences via the links below.

IICAH2023 IICAH2022 IICAH2017
Chih-Pu Dai
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States

Biography

Dr Chih-Pu Dai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Design and Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research interests include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, Extended Reality, Game-Based Learning and Simulation-Based Learning.

Specifically, he designs and studies immersive and experience-oriented advanced learning technologies to enhance teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for diverse K-12 and adult learners. He aims to support and enhance learning with design features and solutions, as well as with the applications of AI and machine learning techniques in advanced learning technologies. As such, in a research project, he examines the effects of learning support for preservice teachers when they practise teaching in virtual reality with AI-powered virtual student agents.

Dr Dai uses quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and AI and machine learning approaches to address research questions. His work has been published in academic journals such as Computers & Education, Educational Technology Research & Development, British Journal of Educational Technology, Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, and International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education. In addition, he speaks at conferences of International Society of the Learning Sciences, American Educational Research Associations, and Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Featured Panel Presentation (2024) | Practical Approaches to AI in Academia
Dorothy Hirata
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States

Biography

Dr Dorothy So Hirata is the Instructional Design Manager with the University of Hawaiʻi System’s Online Innovation Center where she leads the instructional design team. She works cross-functionally with diverse faculty, staff, and administrators to support system-wide strategic online learning initiatives and professional development opportunities that contribute to quality learning across the ten campuses.

Dr Hirata also serves as an adjunct faculty for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Education, Learning Design and Technology Department and has developed and facilitated online graduate courses. Her certifications as a Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Master Reviewer and K-12 Course Reviewer provide her with the opportunity to conduct quality course design reviews with faculty interested in improving their online courses. Dr Hirata's interest also includes accreditation work, where she serves as a subject specialist with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Prior to joining the University of Hawaiʻi, Dr Hirata worked for 15 years at Kamehameha Schools, a private school that served pre-K to 12 learners. She obtained three degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a B.Ed. in Secondary Education, a M.Ed. in Educational Technology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in online learning.

Featured Panel Presentation (2024) | Practical Approaches to AI in Academia
Paul McKimmy
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States

Biography

Paul McKimmy is interim Associate Vice Provost for Academic Excellence at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where he leads the tenure and promotion process, chairs the distance learning advisory committee, acts on policy and contract cases, and coordinates professional development.

Dr McKimmy has a combined thirty years of experience in higher education, including twenty years with the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa College of Education. As the College’s Director of Technology & Distance Programs, his roles included planning and managing instructional support services, technical services, and development of distance programs. As a faculty specialist in the Learning Design & Technology department, he also developed a curriculum and taught courses in instructional design, academic technology, and online learning. He continues to serve on doctoral committees with the department.

Dr McKimmy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, a Masters degrees in College Student Personnel and Guidance and Counseling from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Hope College.

Featured Panel Presentation (2024) | Practical Approaches to AI in Academia
Michael Menchaca
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States

Biography

Michael Menchaca is Chair of the Department of Learning Design and Technology at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He specialises in distance education, and has designed, implemented, and coordinated online and hybrid programs for over 20 years. He serves as editor for the IAFOR Journal of Education: Technology in Education Edition. He was an IT specialist for many years in the public and private sector. He teaches and conducts research in the areas of online learning, technology integration, and social justice with technology.

Featured Panel Presentation (2024) | Practical Approaches to AI in Academia

Previous Presentations

Panel Presentation (2022) | Reimagining General Education Across Hawaii’s 10-Campus System: Process, Product, and Lessons Learned