Teaching Statement
Dr. Ahmed Al-Sa'di
Assistant Professor & Senior Research Advisor
Innovative Pedagogy • Student-Centered Learning • Technology-Enhanced Education
My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that education should be transformative, culturally responsive, and technologically innovative. I strive to create inclusive learning environments where students from diverse backgrounds can engage meaningfully with complex concepts in Information Systems and Human-Computer Interaction. Every student brings unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the collective learning journey.
I believe in empowering students to become critical thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, and ethical technology leaders. My approach combines rigorous academic content with practical, real-world applications, ensuring that students develop both theoretical understanding and practical competencies that prepare them for successful careers in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Placing students at the center of the learning process, recognizing their diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and career aspirations while fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Leveraging cutting-edge educational technologies and digital tools to create engaging, interactive, and accessible learning experiences that prepare students for the digital future.
Engaging students with real-world challenges and industry-relevant projects that develop critical thinking, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills.
Active Learning Strategy
Implementing flipped classroom approaches where students engage with foundational content through pre-class materials, allowing valuable class time for collaborative problem-solving, hands-on activities, and deeper exploration of complex topics.
Inclusive Education Approach
Designing culturally responsive curricula that acknowledge and celebrate diverse perspectives while ensuring all students can access and engage with course content regardless of their cultural, linguistic, or educational backgrounds.
Future-Ready Education
Pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into educational delivery, creating personalized learning experiences while maintaining ethical considerations and human connection.
Continuous Learning Support
Implementing innovative assessment strategies that provide continuous feedback, support student growth, and measure authentic learning outcomes through diverse evaluation methods.
Core HCI Principles & Design
Comprehensive introduction to HCI principles, user experience design, and interaction design methodologies. Includes hands-on projects with real-world design challenges.
Practical UI/UX Implementation
Hands-on course focusing on practical UI design and development skills, including responsive design, accessibility, and cross-platform considerations.
Technology Project Leadership
Comprehensive project management course covering methodologies, tools, and leadership skills specific to information technology projects and team management.
Systems Analysis & Design
Foundational course covering information systems concepts, business process analysis, system design principles, and the role of IS in organizational contexts.
Advanced UX Research & Design
Advanced course focusing on sophisticated UCD methodologies, cross-cultural design considerations, and research-informed design practices for complex digital systems.
Strategic IS Management
Graduate-level course examining strategic information systems management, emerging technologies, and the alignment of IS with organizational objectives and innovation strategies.
Computational Creativity
Innovative course exploring the intersection of creativity and computing, including AI-driven creative processes, computational design, and emerging creative technologies.
Advanced Research Methodology
Comprehensive research methodology course preparing students for advanced research in HCI, IS, and related fields, with emphasis on mixed-method approaches and ethical research practices.
Providing comprehensive supervision for Master's level research students, guiding them through the complete research journey from topic selection to successful thesis completion and defense.
Supervising undergraduate final year projects that bridge academic learning with industry-relevant applications, ensuring students develop practical skills and professional competencies.
Providing structured mentorship for junior researchers and teaching assistants, fostering research skills and academic career development.
Leading comprehensive student success initiatives including academic coaching, career guidance, and professional skill development.
Facilitating connections between students and industry professionals through networking events, internship programs, and collaborative projects.
"Dr. Al-Sa'di's approach to teaching User-Centered Design completely transformed my understanding of HCI. His real-world examples and cultural sensitivity made complex concepts accessible. The project-based learning prepared me perfectly for my current UX role at a leading tech company."
"The supervision I received for my Master's thesis was exceptional. Dr. Al-Sa'di provided structured guidance while encouraging independent thinking. His expertise in cross-cultural research methodologies was invaluable for my research on Arabic interface design."
"Dr. Al-Sa'di's Information Systems course was the highlight of my undergraduate program. His ability to connect theoretical concepts with industry practices, combined with his supportive teaching style, made learning engaging and relevant. Highly recommended!"
"The mentorship provided during my final year project was incredible. Dr. Al-Sa'di helped me navigate complex technical challenges while teaching me valuable research skills. The project became a portfolio piece that secured my first job in tech."
Leading comprehensive curriculum development initiatives that align with industry standards, incorporate emerging technologies, and meet diverse student learning needs while maintaining academic rigor.
Developed and implemented the EduFlex framework for adaptive online learning, creating personalized learning pathways that accommodate different learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
Regularly updating course materials to reflect current industry practices, emerging technologies, and future trends in information systems and user experience design.
Pioneering the integration of cutting-edge educational technologies, including AI-powered learning tools, virtual reality applications, and collaborative online platforms to enhance learning outcomes.
Successfully transitioned all courses to online delivery during the pandemic, developing innovative online content and maintaining high student engagement and satisfaction levels.
Integrating ChatGPT and other AI tools into educational delivery while maintaining academic integrity and teaching students about ethical AI use in professional contexts.
Maintained exceptional student satisfaction ratings across all courses and institutions, demonstrating consistent teaching excellence over 17+ years.
Successfully led large-scale courses including INFS811 and UCD805 as Paper Leader, managing complex logistics while maintaining high academic standards.
Exceptional student project outcomes with 95% of supervised projects achieving A/B grades and high industry employment rates for graduates.
"Transforming lives through innovative education, cultural sensitivity, and technological excellence"
Creating inclusive, engaging, and future-ready learning experiences that prepare students for success in our rapidly evolving digital world.
Developing immersive, AI-powered learning environments that adapt in real-time to student needs, cultural preferences, and learning styles while maintaining human connection and ethical considerations.
Building sustainable, scalable educational frameworks that can adapt to future technological changes while preserving the human elements that make learning meaningful and transformative.
Open to guest lectures, curriculum collaboration, and educational technology partnerships