NEXT 2024 Schedule

2024 Schedule

Download the Full Program

Breakfast & Registration Outside Ballroom A  -  7:30am - 8:15am

Welcome & Introduction Ballroom A  -  8:15am - 8:30am

Industry Panel8:30am - 9:30am

 Navigating the Future Workforce: The Imperative of AI Skills for Students   

 Session Recording
Dr. Alexa Fox, The University of Akron, Ben Levicki, Cleveland Cavaliers, Larisa Popadiuk, Sherwin-Williams Company, Neil Singh, ISSQUARED, inc., and Kate Spector, 1848 Ventures

In today's rapidly evolving job market, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and skills has become not just beneficial but imperative for students aiming to thrive in their careers. As part of the 8th annual NEXT conference, we are excited to host an enlightening employer panel discussion titled "Navigating the Future Workforce: The Imperative of AI Skills for Students."

This session will bring together a diverse panel of industry leaders and employers who will share invaluable insights into the growing demand for AI proficiency in various sectors. Through firsthand accounts and perspectives, panelists will underscore the critical role of AI knowledge in shaping the future workforce landscape. From understanding the significance of AI in decision-making processes to its impact on job roles and industry trends, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of why AI competencies are essential for students across disciplines.

Moreover, this panel aims to inspire faculty members to champion AI education within their institutions. By highlighting the real-world implications and opportunities associated with AI integration, our esteemed panelists will empower educators to equip students with the necessary AI skills to succeed in tomorrow's workforce.

Session 1 (45 minutes) 9:40am - 10:25am

Room 310

 AI Playground: Prompting Critical Thinking While Exploring the Limitations & Potential of AI  

LeighAnn Tomaswick, Kent State University

This interactive session will discuss what the AI Playground activities are and their benefits to student learning. Examples that can be used across the university setting will be shared and the audience will vote to explore one more in-depth in an “I Do, We Do, You Do” activity.

Room 312

 Human Versus Machine: Defining the Educator's Role in the AI Era   

Dr. Dana Riger, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Students use AI for deeper understanding, study materials, assignment drafting, and round-the-clock feedback. As AI grows, the role of educators must evolve. This session explores how to redesign assessments to develop human abilities and adapt teaching methods to highlight what AI can’t replicate.

Room 316

 Innovative Research: How Neuromarketing and AI Drive Student-Led Marketing Insights   

Dr. Vanja Djuric-Zoric, The University of Akron, Shon Christy, Shon Christy Social Media
Join Dr. Vanja Djuric-Zoric and Shon Christy for an engaging session on the integration of neuromarketing and AI in industry research. This presentation will highlight case studies of projects developed by University of Akron students, showcasing how cutting-edge neuromarketing and AI methodologies are becoming a vital part of the student research experience. They will explore how these techniques are applied in real-world scenarios and the role students play in pushing the boundaries of modern marketing research.

Room 335

 Elevating Classroom Engagement with AI: Fostering Interactive and Collaborative Learning   

Dr. Stephanie Speicher, Weber State University

Explore cutting-edge AI tools to boost student engagement and build vibrant classroom communities in this workshop. Gain practical skills and strategies to transform your teaching. Ready to inspire and innovate? Elevate your teaching to the next level!

Session 2 (20 minutes) 10:35am - 10:55am

Room 310

 Incorporation of AI Chatbots into STEM Laboratory Classes   

Dr. Linda King, Valencia College

We used Chat GPT or Copilot in both an introductory and an upper-level experimental biology laboratory class to help students forge connections between the concepts and the expected experimental results. We concluded that our methods are an effective way to incorporate AI into STEM lab classes.

Room 312

 AI Crash Course: 20 Teaching Tips & Tools in 20 Minutes   

Tim Marshall, Baldwin Wallace University

Start the clock! In this rapid-fire session, we’ll cover resources, influencers to follow, emerging best practices, individual apps, and more. Get access to a toolkit with all 20 items to take a deeper dive and to support your use of AI in the classroom.

Room 314

 Using Musical Clips and Basic Emotions to Teach About Ground Truth   

Dr. William McHenry, The University of Akron

Two experiments with MBA-Level Business Analytics classes were used to explore the nature of ground truth (GT), the assessment foundation for many AI models. Students were surprised by disagreement in their ratings of musical clips, leading to lessons learned about GT creation and understanding.

Room 316

 Immersive Learning in Ancient Worlds: Leveraging 3D and 360º Technology for Online Old Testament Archaeology   

Dr. Charles Piscitello, Ashland University; Dana Krukovska, Ashland University; Dmytro Solomianiuk, Ashland University

In this session, we will explore how 3D and 360° technology enhances online learning for an Old Testament Archaeology course. Integrating immersive tech, we transport students to ancient sites, providing a rich, interactive environment.

Room 335

 Why Write in the Age of AI: The Practice of Writing to Learn to Enhance Student Success Across the University   

Dr. Christine Cucciarre, University of Delaware

AI has put writing at risk. Yet we know that writing helps in discovery and learning. It’s time to advocate for writing-to-learn (WTL) activities. I’ll cover WTL research and ways to use AI responsibly to keep the high-impact practice of writing central to university curriculum.

Session 3 (45 minutes) 11:05am - 11:50am

Room 310

 Empowering ESOL Learners with AI and Information Literacy Skills   

Larissa Fekete, Oberlin College and Conservatory; Kathy Abromeit, Oberlin College and Conservatory

This presentation details an AI-designed lesson plan for ESOL students in higher education to develop information literacy, critical thinking, and English proficiency. Attendees will experience the same lesson and library resources as students, receive adaptable prompts, and learn best practices.

Room 312

 AI,the Next Frontier: An Exploration of Methods, Tools, and Activities to Engage Students, Equip Educators, and Embrace this New Educational Reality   

Scott Hughes, Marion Technical College; Mike White, Marion Technical College

Artificial Intelligence is growing at an ever-increasing speed. New tools, improved methodologies, and updated outputs appear daily! Participants will explore existing tools, learn about risks and how to mitigate them, identify opportunities to integrate AI into coursework, and build an AI policy.

Room 316

 Six Degrees of AI Assignments: Reworking Instruction to Incorporate AI into Your Practice   

Dr. Adam M. Rainear, West Chester University; Dr. Tom Pantazes, West Chester University

Learn about a method for identifying relevant essential skills and content in an AI world. Then, see the method applied to a series of six practical AI learning activities used by West Chester University professors. Leave with at least one idea for AI grounded learning activity you could use.

Room 335

 Talking Shop with AI: Augmenting Reflective Practices with Artificial Intelligence   

Dr. Eric de Araujo, Purdue University

See how AI can enhance educators' reflective practices. Interact with a model based on the Decoding the Disciplines framework. Imagine ways AI can support your reflective practices and enhance student learning as the influence of AI grows.

Lunch & Featured Session11:50am - 1:05pm

Featured Session: From UA to AI 12:20pm - 1:05pm

Ballroom A

 From UA to AI   

David Smetters, CEO of Respondus

Most faculty and students at the University of Akron are familiar with LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. But few know the Founder and CEO of Respondus is a graduate of UA and became a pioneer of edtech in the 1990s.

David Smetters returns to the University of Akron to discuss the evolution of educational technology, from the days of personal computers to cloud computing and now artificial intelligence.

Learn why AI's impact on education is likely to mirror prior eras of modern computing, with progress occurring in steps (rather than leaps) and largely driven by identifiable problems. David will provide specific examples of how AI is used at Respondus, the questions to ask edtech vendors about AI, how to evaluate AI bias, and why universities will continue to be the launchpad for technology entrepreneurs.

Session 4 (20 minutes)1:15pm - 1:35pm

Room 310

 AI and Its Transformational Impacts: Lessons Learned from the Past   

Dr. Tiffany Petricini, Penn State Shenango

This paper offers a history of education from a media ecology perspective. Examining the philosophy of technology, it attempts to imagine potential futures in higher education related to generative AI tools grounded in lessons learned from the past.

Room 312

 Use of Low Risk/No Risk Quizzes as a Means of Two-Way Assessment   

Dr. Mark J. Carroll, The University of Cincinnati

This method of Low-Risk or No-Risk quizzes, combined with self-reflection and communication with other individual students, instructor, and classroom as a whole, to allow for clarification and an opportunity to identify future study needs.

Room 314

 Preservice teachers' experience with task modification using ChatGPT   

Minsung Kwon, California State University, Northridge

This study aims to explore preservice teachers’ (PSTs) experiences with ChatGPT in designing a culturally relevant mathematical task. Overall, PSTs had positive perceptions about ChatGPT, but they had varying levels of task modification and the critical engagement with the ChatGPT’s responses.

Room 316

 Leveraging Generative AI in First-Year Writing: Fostering Critical Engagement and Reflection   

Elizabeth Modarelli, Stark State College; Nicole Herrera, Stark State College

This presentation will share practical strategies for integrating feedback from AI tools into first-year writing classes. Activities including journaling, guided interactive dialogue with AI tools, and reflection promote responsible usage, critical thinking, and improved metacognition.

Room 335

 How to Make Your Students Two Standard Deviations Smarter: AI as a Tutor   

Dr. William Paolillo, The University of Akron

Case Study Presentation, Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Construction. I will walk through teaching methods, class assignments and the class final project, all of which utilized AI.

Session 5 (20 minutes) 1:45pm - 2:05pm

Room 310

 Bridging the AI Literacy Gap: A Human-Centered Approach to Generative AI Professional Development for K-12 Educators   

Samaa Haniya, Pepperdine University

This presentation reports on the findings of the Demystifying AI Workshop for educators that aimed to bridge the knowledge and skills gap in AI literacy among educators in underserved schools in Los Angeles County, California.

Room 312

 Designing Our 1st AI Course on Campus: Trail Blazing for Student Success   

Dr. Amy J. Heston, Walsh University; Dr. Neil G. Walsh, Walsh University

Join us to discover how we blazed the trails in creating our institution’s first AI course. We’ll describe the course design, module content, and benefits to learner success. You’ll gain insights and strategies to implement at your own institution. Together, let’s blaze the trails!

Room 316

 Vuja De All Over Again - Looking Back to See Forward   

Corrie Bergeron, Lakeland Community College

So, AI. The good news is, only one thing has to change: Everything. But we've seen this before, right? Let's look at this most recent technology revolution in light of some previous ones and see if that might give us some hints as to how we can plan for the road ahead.

Room 335

 Bridging Visions: Uniting SME Expertise with Instructional Design Through AI  

David Grimes, Ashland University

Explore how AI is reshaping the course design process by simplifying development and amplifying its impact. Discover real-life applications to leverage AI to boost multimedia quality, streamline content creation, and achieve crystal-clear communication to ensure faculty and student success.

Session 6 (45 minutes) 2:15pm - 3:00pm

Room 312

 Natural Intelligence Generating New Explorations in Teaching   

Dr. Jeffrey Pellegrino, The University of Akron; Dr. Buket Barkana, The University of Akron; Dr. Diane Brown, The University of Akron; Linxiao Chen, The University of Akron; Dr. Shanon Donnelly, The University of Akron; Dr. James Eagan, The University of Akron; Dr. Rhiannon Kallis, The University of Akron

Join a panel of UA Faculty Fellows who have brought their scholarship into their engagement with students. Before AI grabs our work, we have the opportunity to apply it first in our classrooms as we enhance the theoretical, practical, and creative competencies of our students. Reignite your passion!

Room 316

 It Starts with the Product: Teaching Process in an AI-Driven World   

Katy Major, Ashland University; Brad Kunz Rhodes State College

AI tools generate a product effortlessly before the process of creation begins, challenging educators to redefine the value of process. Session participants will discuss key questions and brainstorm classroom activities for this new world of product-before-process in a highly interactive session.

Room 335

 AI Strategies for New Directions in Learning: Pioneering Successful Pathways   

Dr. Amy J. Heston, Walsh University; Dr. Toni Nicoletti, Oberlin College

AI pioneers will share novel pathways in high impact practices resulting in student success. We’ll show new approaches for enhancing collaborative projects, undergraduate research, internship experiences, and course design models. Discover strategies so you can become your institution’s AI pioneer!

CANCELED

 Enhancing Teaching and Learning with ChatGPT: Crafting Effective Prompts   

Dr. Bonnie Slavych, Missouri State University

This hands-on presentation will teach educators to leverage ChatGPT by focusing on prompt engineering. Participants will learn to craft effective prompts. Interactive activities will include creating prompts for case studies, rubrics, and assessments.

CANCELED

 AI does everything a teacher needs to do*   

Dr. Doan Winkel, John Carroll University

The education landscape is changing thanks to AI. Leveraging these tools allows us to personalize our students’ learning experience. Students enjoy class more. We enjoy class more. Leave with a toolkit of AI resources and a roadmap for using AI to update every component of your course.

Session 7 (20 minutes) 3:10pm - 3:30pm

Room 310

 AI-Driven Innovation in Genetics Labs: Empowering Students from Idea to Implementation   

Dr. Joel Duff, The University of Akron

Integrating AI into lab courses enhances student engagement while preparing them for an AI-driven world. This presentation explores using ChatGPT-4 to enable genetics students to create and implement lab modules. It includes practical insights and resources adaptable to diverse teaching areas.

Room 312

 AI in Action: Transforming Education for Neurodiverse Students   

Dr. Mandy Pacheco, University of Central Florida

Discover how generative AI and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies combine to transform education for neurodiverse learners. This session offers practical approaches to enhance engagement, personalize learning, and support all students effectively.

Room 316

 Ethical Use of ChatGPT in General Education Public Speaking Courses   

Dr. Yang Lin, The University of Akron; Dr. Kathleen Clark, The University of Akron

Instructors in general education public speaking courses face the pedagogical challenge of ensuring students learn to be ethical and effective communicators. This presentation offers instructors with informed insights and practical suggestions for integrating ChatGPT into public speaking pedagogy.

Room 335

 Desert Island Activity: Exploring Pedagogy for the Introductory Course through Thought Experiments, Group Work, and Discussion   

Elizabeth Nussen, The University of Akron

The thought experiment engages students with group work and discussion, lowers student intimidation by removing the risk of wrong answers, and further engages students by infusing the conversation with additional areas of study the students may be pursuing in other courses.

Session 8 (20 minutes)3:40pm - 4:00pm

Room 310

 Embracing Innovation in Education: Triumphing the Integration of Artificial Intelligence   

Dr. Ritu Sharma, Purdue University; Ramona Anand, Lorain County Community College

This presentation explores the complexities of integrating AI into education, striking a balance between skepticism and unquestioning acceptance. It outlines strategies to promote a culture of openness and innovation while ensuring ethical practices and preserving the core values of education.

Room 312

 Transformative Learning with AI: Leveraging ChatGPT in Bloom's Taxonomy Framework   

Jane Beese, Youngstown State University; Lauren Cummins, Youngstown State University

Unlock the transformative power of AI in education by integrating ChatGPT into Bloom&s Taxonomy. This interactive workshop demonstrates how AI can enhance learning experiences across all cognitive levels‚ from remembering to creating. Explore practical strategies to leverage ChatGPT for content delivery, assessment, and personalized learning. Witness real-world examples showcasing AI&s impact on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Gain insights into ethically harnessing AI's potential while cultivating essential 21st-century skills. Join us in embracing this innovative approach to redefine teaching and learning in the era of artificial intelligence.

Room 314

 Thriving as an Online Music Educator: Effective Musical Environments, Innovative and Creative Teaching Models, Commitment and Connection to Students   

Tanya Karamanos, Université du Québec à Montréal, President of Studio Virtuoso Inc.

Developing creative pedagogical environments while maintaining music student success, involvement, commitment and belonging.

Steal My Idea & Raffle Ballroom A  -  4:05pm - 4:30pm

 

 AI for Research Endeavors: Efficiency in a Flash!   

Dr. Amy J. Heston, Walsh University

A vision to enhance student success in high impact practices, such as undergraduate research projects, was the goal of this project. Upon reflection, a question came to fruition, “How can incorporating AI tools into research strategies increase student success for experimental design?” This inquiry revealed ways that AI tools can improve research experiences for faculty scholars, thesis advisors, and students. I’ll show how ResearchRabbbit and Scholarcy can increase efficiency for generating ideas, designing experiments, identifying future directions, and increasing collaborative work. Implementation of this vision resulted in the pedagogical innovation of chemistry research and beyond. Attendees will discover how these efforts can make a campus-wide impact due to their compatibility with any discipline and steps for implementation at their institution. Polls and Q & A will be used to evaluate the participants’ experience in AI technology, exchange ideas, and generate discussions.

 

 Saving Time with Text Expanders   

Dr. Daniela Jauk-Ajamie, The University of Akron

In this 5 minute input I will introduce and demo “Type it for Me”, a very low cost text expander which makes grading so much easier for repetitive feedback (like citation rules) and ... counts the time you save by using it.

 

 Prompts to Promote Ethical GenAI Use   

LeighAnn Tomaswick, Kent State University

GenAI may bring about fears of cheating and academic dishonesty. Our desire for students to think for themselves can seem unattainable with their ability to copy and paste an assignment prompt into ChatGPT and get a response. I am going to share a few prompts you can provide your students before, during and after assignments to help them think about ethical use of GenAI. Students can become more self-aware and help foster critical evaluation and decision-making. Integrating these prompts only takes a few extra steps, not much “class time” and can empower students to not only harness AI’s potential effectively, but also responsible use.

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Map of the Student Union. The Ballroom is on the West end of the building. The rest of the rooms are in the Eastern wing.