Learning Networks in a Connected World: Trends, Structures and AI Support
Understanding and supporting learning processes through network insights and AI methods.
Framing
Learning is inherently social. Across formal, professional, and informal contexts, individuals form dynamic learning networks that shape access to information, collaboration, motivation, and outcomes. Advances in social network analysis, learning analytics and AI, combined with increasingly rich digital trace data, now allow not only the analysis of these networks, but also their intentional support.
This workshop explores how learning networks emerge and evolve, how their structures relate to engagement and outcomes, and how data-driven and AI-based methods can enhance collaboration across lifelong learning contexts. We emphasize application-oriented perspectives, focusing on interventions, impact and responsible deployment. The goal is to foster interdisciplinary exchange and develop a shared research agenda connecting network science, AI and education.
Topics of Interest
We invite contributions that address one or more of the following themes:
- Identify emerging trends in learning networks across formal, informal and online environments.
- Examine how network structures and interaction patterns relate to learning outcomes and engagement.
- Explore AI-driven and data-informed approaches for building, recommending and adapting learning networks.
- Discuss ethical, institutional and pedagogical challenges of network-aware learning interventions.
Call for Papers
In addition to full research papers, we welcome early-stage research contributions and demo submissions showcasing innovative methods, systems or applications. This includes PhD projects that would benefit from community feedback and discussion of future work. As this is the first edition of the workshop, we particularly encourage emerging ideas to help foster collaboration and build a strong research community. Our panel is also able to provide feedback on the patentability of new methods, a requirement that is gaining popularity in research.
Submission Categories & Format
Full Research Papers
- Up to 8 pages (excluding references)
- Present mature and well-evaluated research contributions
Short / Early-Stage Papers
- Up to 4 pages (excluding references)
- Present preliminary results, novel ideas or research-in-progress
- Particularly suitable for PhD projects
Demo Papers
- Up to 4 pages (excluding references)
- Describe implemented systems, tools or applications
- Should clearly outline the innovation and practical relevance
Formatting Requirements
- Submissions must be in PDF format.
- Submissions must be anonymized for double-blind review:
- Remove author names and affiliations.
- Remove acknowledgments.
- Avoid revealing institutional or project identities.
- Write self-references in the third person where appropriate.
- References are not counted toward the page limit.
- Submissions that violate anonymization guidelines may be desk-rejected.
Review Process
All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review and will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and novelty
- Technical quality and soundness
- Relevance to workshop themes
- Clarity of presentation
Important Dates (AoE – Anywhere on Earth)
- Submission platform: Microsoft CMT
- Paper submission deadline: June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
- Workshop paper acceptance notification: July 6, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
- Workshop paper camera-ready deadline: July 11, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
- Author registration deadline: July 10, 2026, 11:59 PM AoE
Presentation Requirement
At least one author of each accepted paper must register and present the paper at the workshop.
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Program
The program will include:
- An invited keynote addressing social network analysis, learning analytics, or AI in education
- Peer-reviewed paper presentations (full and short papers) with dedicated discussion
- A moderated panel on AI-driven interventions, covering opportunities, risks, ethical considerations, and patentability
- An open agenda-setting session to identify future research directions and foster collaboration
The detailed workshop schedule will be announced after the review process and notification of accepted papers.
Organizers
Short bios are included on the About page.