2024 - Tentative Schedule
Register for NEXT 2024
Breakfast & Registration Outside Ballroom A - 8:00am - 8:30am
Welcome & Introduction Ballroom A - 8:20am - 8:30am
Industry Panel / Fireside Chat8:30am - 9:30am
Navigating the Future Workforce: The Imperative of AI Skills for Students
Shon Christy, Shon Christy Social Media, Ben Levicki, Cleveland Cavaliers, Larisa Popadiuk, Sherwin-Williams Company and, Neil Singh, ISSQUARED, inc.
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
Human Versus Machine: Defining the Educator's Role in the AI Era
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.
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!
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.
Marketing with AI
Vanja Djuric-Zoric, The University of Akron
Session 2
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.
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.
Using Musical Clips and Basic Emotions to Teach About Ground Truth
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.
Immersive Learning in Ancient Worlds: Leveraging 3D and 360º Technology for Online Old Testament Archaeology
Charles Piscitello, Ashland University; Dana Krukovska, 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.
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.
Session 3
Six Degrees of AI Assignments: Reworking Instruction to Incorporate AI into Your Practice
Dr. Adam M. Rainear, West Chester University; 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.
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.
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.
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 output 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.
Lunch & Steal-My-Idea 12:00pm - 12:50pm
Session 4
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.
Use of Low Risk/No Risk Quizzes as a Means of Two-Way Assessment
Mark J. Carroll, PT, Ed.D., 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.
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.
AI and Its Transformational Impacts: Lessons Learned from the Past
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.
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.
Session 5
Using digital humans with voice cloning for teaching and learning
David Steer, The University of Akron
The presenter will discuss his experiences in creating a personal digital avatar, cloning his voice, developing a virtual agent connected to a large language model, and generating material for use in an on-line course. He will discuss the advantages and limitations of the process.
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.
Designing Our 1st AI Course on Campus: Trail Blazing for Student Success
Amy J. Heston, Ph.D., Walsh University; Neil G. Walsh, Ph.D., 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!
AI in Education: Enhancing Learning Through Innovation
Claudia Arcolin, Ph.D., The University of Texas at San Antonio
Explore the SAMR model applied to generative AI-enhanced teaching and learning experiences, develop prompt engineering skills for text, imagery, and videos, integrate generative AI into your courses, and discover strategies to engage your students.
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.
Session 6
Natural Intelligence Generating New Explorations in Teaching
Jeffrey Pellegrino, 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!
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.
AI does everything a teacher needs to do*
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.
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.
Session 7
AI-Driven Innovation in Genetics Labs: Empowering Students from Idea to Implementation
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.
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.
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.
Ethical Use of ChatGPT in General Education Public Speaking Courses
Yang Lin, The University of Akron; Kathleen D. 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.
Session 8
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.
AI Strategies for New Directions in Learning: Pioneering Successful Pathways
Amy J. Heston, Ph.D., Walsh University; Toni Nicoletti, Ph.D., 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!
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.
Embracing Innovation in Education: Triumphing the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
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.