AI Goes to College

Did someone say we need a complete philosophical overhaul in education? How about some better ideas for asynchronous online classes? We've got both in this brief little episode!

Join Professor Sarah and Dr. Scott Cason in their summer 2025 'AI Goes to College' short-form podcast. We explore rethinking the learning outcomes altogether and discuss how AI can be integrated into teaching methods. Scott shares his transformative experience of redesigning his courses to leverage AI tools, aiming to make learning more authentic and relevant. We discuss practical challenges, philosophical shifts, and innovative strategies to enhance students' engagement and learning outcomes in an AI-dominated era. Get insights on technology integration, assignment ideas, authentic assessment, and the evolving role of educators.

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00:00 Introduction to AI Summer Chats

00:20 Philosophical Overhauls in Education

01:39 Challenges with AI in Online Quizzes

02:50 Embracing AI in Teaching

04:26 Innovative Assignments and Student Engagement

06:34 Integrating AI in Course Design

10:44 Reflections on Teaching with AI

14:56 Future of Teaching and Human Interaction

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In this final episode of "AI Goes to College," we bring together diverse voices from across FSCJ to reflect on a year of AI integration in higher education. Host Professor Stuart weaves together perspectives from faculty, administrators, and students to create a portrait of how artificial intelligence is transforming campus life. Using Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as a framing device,n she explores whether we are creating something beyond our control, and what responsibility educators have in guiding this technology's development. From AI-enhanced Socratic seminars to employee management systems, the episode showcases real-world applications while addressing concerns about critical thinking, the learning process, and the future of education.

Show Notes

Introduction

• Host Professor Sarah reflects on one year of documenting AI's impact at FSCJ
• Opening montage features student and faculty voices expressing both optimism and concern
• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
• The Luddite movement: a relevant parallel narrative to today's AI revolution?

Chapter 1: Early Adopters

• Rusty Gardner (Executive Director of Enterprise Information Systems) discusses the dual approach to AI at FSCJ:
  • Educational side: What tools can be used for teaching and learning
  • Functional side: How staff use AI in daily operations
• Professor Scott Cason (Humanities) showcases his AI "agents" (Culture Sage and Belief Bot) that enhance Socratic seminars
  • Students engage with AI before class discussions, leading to deeper and longer conversations
  • Quiz scores improved after implementing this approach

Chapter 2: Skeptics

• Professor Joe LaBarbera (Speech) emphasizes the "GIGO" principle (Garbage In, Garbage Out) with AI
  • Warns against "the dumbing down of society" if critical thinking skills are sidelined
  • Notes that AI cannot help students manage communication apprehension or adapt to live audiences
  • "It doesn't do the same thing that a real person can do... the emotion is often out of it."

Chapter 3: Institutional Intelligence

• Max Sukalo (Instructional Program Manager, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management) developed an AI system that streamlines operations
  • Created a decision-making flowchart using institutional policies fed into AI
  • Reduced 45-minute consultations to 15-second AI responses
  • Views AI as "not a tool, it's a partner" with boundaries and guidelines

Chapter 4: The Students

• In Professor David Singletary's Computer Science course, students creating an AI application that recognizes ASL fingerspelling
• Alexis Stuart (Digital Media student):
  • Uses AI for caption generation in video editing
  • Created social media campaign text while focusing on design elements herself
  • Uses AI for practical life planning (meal planning, travel itineraries)
• James and AJ Higbe (father and son in Applied AI program):
  • James: "I choose to be an AI optimist"
  • Uses AI as a research assistant in professional work
  • AJ: Found AI helpful for philosophy class

Chapter 5: The Lesson ...Perhaps!

• Professor Ron Bendele (Computer Science) reflects on AI's evolution since the 1990s
  • Already uses AI to teach and grade coursework in some classes
  • Sees professors' roles evolving but not disappearing
• Highlights from past guests:
  • Jason Gulya: Initial horror about AI's implications for plagiarism gave way to recognition of teaching opportunities
  • Dr. Kevin Yee, University of Central Florida
  • Flower Darby: The importance of helping students use AI "in appropriate, thoughtful, and responsible ways"
  • Laura Dumin, Unversity of Central Oklahoma
  • Chad Davis, Nebraska Public Media: Concerns about AI potentially causing job displacement similar to factory workers in the 1980s-90s
  • The enduring importance of human networks, trust, and kindness

Conclusion

• Unlike Dr. Frankenstein, educators cannot abandon their creation
• The need to guide AI to ensure it serves human flourishing
• A call for continued conversation about AI's role in education

This podcast was supported by the AI Advisory Council at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and it was written and produced by Sarah Stuart and the college's Digital Multimedia Productions, especially Mark Hubbard and Curtis Wucker. A special thanks to all of the students, faculty, and staff who shared their experiences in this episode. Please email [email protected] with questions, comments, and feedback or leave a comment below!

Episode artwork: ChatGPT-generated image

Unveiling FSCJ's Applied AI Degree Program....and a strategic vision for the future!

In this episode of 'AI Goes to College,' we learn about Florida State College at Jacksonville's new program in Applied AI. Interested? Details for the program can be found at this link!

Panelists include Dr. Brauer, Dean of Engineering Technology and Industry, Professor Sha'kia Riggins, Lead Facilitator for AI Workforce with Intel and FinTech Professor; and Professor Paul Soar, an automotive technology professor who spearheaded the autonomous vehicle program alongside the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

The discussion explores FSCJ's new A.S. degree in Applied AI, the innovative projects students are working on, collaborations with industry partners like the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the exciting future prospects of AI in education and workforce development. Tune in to hear what's happening at our institution and how students can get involved in this cutting-edge program.

PLUS, Dr. Brauer reveals a strategic vision that could position FSCJ as a national hub for automated vehicle technical training—a game-changer for students and the region!

Link to Intel Training Program

Show outline:

00:00 Introduction to AI Goes to College

00:24 FSCJ's New Applied AI Degree

00:56 Meet the Panel of Experts: Dr. Brauer, Sha'Kia Riggins, Paul Soar

02:15 Lightning Round: Innovation, Automation, Productivity

03:52 Professor Riggins' Background and Role

06:43 Dr. Brauer on the Origin of the Program

12:14 Automated Vehicle Program with JTA: Paul Soar

19:12 Building the Applied AI Program

29:04 AI in Education: A Unique Approach

30:30 Innovative AI Curriculum Development

30:59 Hands-On AI Projects for Students

32:19 Staying Updated with AI Advancements

43:50 Ethical Implications of AI in the Classroom

50:12 Future of AI Programs and Student Involvement

We know the future can seem daunting right now, and the world of AI is constantly changing with new products, players, and tools. It's difficult to get a handle on it!

Our guest today offers some guidance! He will walk us through some very practical tools and ideas to tame the deluge of AI news.

Jeremy Caplan, Director of Teaching and Learning at CUNY's Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and head of the Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program, as well as the creator of the Wonder Tools newsletter (see link below), shares his insights on digital education, productivity tools, and emerging career landscapes. Discover Jeremy's favorite AI tools, how institutions can better equip faculty and students, and what skills will be crucial in the AI-driven job market. Jeremy unveils the trending field such as data analysis and community engagement, and he emphasizes the significance of creative content in the workplace. Tune in for invaluable advice for graduates and anyone looking to navigate the evolving job environment.

Check out Caplan's newsletter Wonder Tools! https://wondertools.substack.com/

Some featured tools in this episode:

• Improve your focus? Neurable

https://www.neurable.com/

• Limitless Pendant https://www.limitless.ai/#pendant

Other tools mentioned:

• Bionic dictation apps: Audio Pen, Oasis, Letterly
• ChatGPT Projects
• Perplexity Spaces NotebookLM

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to AI Goes to College

00:29 Meet Jeremy Caplan: Digital Education Leader

01:14 Jeremy's Background and Achievements

02:46 Favorite AI Characters in Fiction

04:10 Exploring New AI Tools

08:17 Advice for Future Job Seekers

11:33 The Importance of Initiative in the Workplace

14:10 AI Tools for Productivity and Creativity

18:40 AI Projects: Enhancing Learning and Research

26:00 The Value of AI Projects

27:29 Exploring Readwise and Kindle Integration

29:08 Introducing Wonder Tools Newsletter

34:23 AI in Education and Training

44:49 Emerging Careers in AI

52:22 Conclusion and Future Outlook

They say it's not an AI that will take your jobs, but the employees who know how to use AI. Let's dig in, and really see what we need to look our for on the horizon as AI continues to seep into all corners of the professional world. 🤖✨ They say it's not an AI that will take your job, but the employees who know how to use AI. Let's dig in, and really see what we need to look our for on the horizon as AI continues to seep into all corners of the professional world. 🤖✨ Join me, Professor Sarah, for an insightful, fun, and eye-opening conversation with Chad Davis from Nebraska Public Media. He has some great tips on how you can thrive in an AI-driven landscape, and how media, specifically public media, is changing. The AI Advisory Council at Florida State College at Jacksonville is proud to host another talk with an expert at the "Jagged Edge" of the AI frontier (as Ethan Mollick calls it).🌟 🌟 🎨✍️ Why do traditional skills like writing and art still matter? Chad brings his expertise as the Chief Innovation Officer at Nebraska Public Media to unpack these questions and more. From integrating generative AI and immersive tech into public media to leading national conversations about media innovation, Chad is your go-to guide for navigating this fast-evolving world. Check out his newsletter link below!🌐 What's in store for you?

• The role of soft skills in the AI era How AI is transforming creative fields Tackling biases in hiring and creating inclusive workplaces

• The future of news, media literacy, and lifelong learning career advice for graduates and professionals looking to stay ahead.

• Fun takes on AI in pop culture and what we can learn from our favorite AI characters

🌟 Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious about the future, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights to future-proof your career while keeping creativity alive. 📚 PLUS: Chad shares his top book picks, historical insights (hello, Luddites!), and advice for staying adaptable in this tech-driven era. 💡 BIO: Chad Davis is the Chief Innovation Officer at Nebraska Public Media, where he leads Nebraska Public Media Labs, the organization's research and development division focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and immersive video into public media. As the inaugural Chair of the Public Media Innovators peer learning community at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), Chad is at the forefront of transforming the public media landscape. Chad also authors Public Media Innovators Weekly, a newsletter exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and media innovation. With a passion for storytelling and technology, Chad is committed to driving public media forward while maintaining its core mission of serving and engaging communities.

LINKS:

Nebraska Public Media Website: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/

Public Media Innovators Weekly: / public-media-innovators-weekly-71608590652...

Chad's LinkedIn Profile: / chadjasondavis

Some key ideas in this episode: The Role of Soft Skills in the AI Era AI's Impact on Creative Fields Biases in AI and Hiring Practices The Future of News and Media Literacy Book Recommendations and Historical Insights on the Luddite movement The Future of Work and Lifelong Learning Adapting to Technological Changes Advice for Graduates and Professionals Exploring AI in Public Media Favorite AI Characters and Their Influence Skills for Future-Proofing Careers

Learning should be a social experience, so let's talk about the social health and wellbeing of the classroom! How does teaching online isolate us? How can AI help or hurt the social experience?

In this episode of 'AI Goes to College,' host Professor Sarah Stuart is joined by renowned author, educator, and speaker Flower Darby. They discuss the influence of AI on social and mental health, the importance of human connection in teaching, and the balance between technology and traditional educational values. Flower shares practical strategies for integrating AI into teaching while maintaining empathy and emotional presence.

Flower's Bio and Books:

Flower Darby celebrates and promotes effective teaching in all modalities to advance equitable learning outcomes for all students. She's an Associate Director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri. Prior to that, she held roles such as Assistant Dean of Online and Innovative Pedagogies and Director of Teaching for Student Success. These roles have allowed her to build on her experience teaching in person and online for over 28 years in a range of subjects including English, Technology, Education, Leadership, Dance, and Pilates. In her current work and publications, Darby empowers faculty to teach inclusive and equity-focused classes in all modalities. Her recent books include The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching (2023) and Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes (2019), and she's an internationally sought-after keynote speaker.

References:

Link to Book by Bowen and Watson: Teaching with AI by Jose Bowen and C. Edward Watson

Link to Webinars: Alchemy Webinars

00:00 Introduction to AI Goes to College 00:26 Meet Flower Darby: Educator and Speaker 00:45 The Intersection of AI and Education 01:37 Flower Darby's Background and Focus 02:19 The Role of Technology in Education 05:17 Balancing Humanity and Technology 08:02 Creating Community in Online Classes 09:51 Equity and AI in Education 19:20 Mental Health and AI Support 23:44 Innovative Projects for College Students 24:53 The Concept of Small Teaching 27:08 Micro Teaching with Emojis 28:45 AI Learning Logs and Creative Assignments 33:40 The Future of AI in Education 41:26 Compassion in Teaching with AI 43:28 Conclusion and Resources Linktree for AI Goes to College links to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, and Amazon.

In this episode of AI Goes to College, we welcome Laura Dumin, a leader in equitable higher education, as she shares her insights into the transformative role of AI in the classroom. Join Professor Sarah Stuart, host and co-creator of AI Goes to College, in conversation with Laura. AI Goes to College is a program created in collaboration with the Digital Media Department at FSCJ and hosted by the AI Advisory Council.

Laura is the AI Coordinator at the University of Central Oklahoma where she also serves as a faculty member and award-winning educator. She's becoming known for speaking up about AI in the classroom through her writing and as a spokesperson. Her articles explore AI's impact on education, covering topics such as AI-enhanced learning tools and the ethical dilemmas educators face as AI becomes more integrated into the classroom, encouraging both educators and students to think critically about AI's potential. Laura regularly participates in podcasts and webinars, sharing best practices and discussing the challenges and responsibilities AI brings to higher education. She also leads the Facebook group Higher Ed Discussions of AI Writing and Use, where educators come together to discuss the latest AI developments and share strategies for its responsible use in academic settings. In addition, Laura's interviews showcase her advocacy for responsible AI usage and emphasize the importance of preparing future generations for an AI-integrated world.

In this episode, she shares her latest projects that are pushing the boundaries of AI content creation while contributing to ongoing dialogues on AI ethics, accessibility, and the future of technology in education. For listeners interested in further reading, Laura recommends Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines, a thought-provoking exploration of AI's societal implications by Joy Buolamwini.

Tune in for this engaging conversation with Laura Dumin, and learn how AI can be a powerful tool for positive change in academia when used thoughtfully and ethically.

References mentioned:

• Laura's writing and resources Website
• Higher Ed Discussions of AI Writing and Use Facebook Group
• UnMasking AI by Joy Buolamwini Book
• Her (2013); Spike Jonze
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (film, 2013 Gavin Hood)
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Links to free online books: AI Hacks for Educators

60+ ChatGPT assignments to Use in the Classroom

Link to Teaching and Learning with AI Conference

In this episode of "AI Goes to College," we welcome Dr. Kevin Yee from the University of Central Florida for a conversation about how artificial intelligence is impacting academic integrity. The conversation explores the challenges and potential solutions surrounding AI tools like ChatGPT and their implications for cheating and the traditional methods of essay writing.

Key points of discussion include:

1. Challenges with AI: Dr. Yee elaborates on the difficulties that AI brings to academic integrity, specifically how these technologies can be used to cheat on assignments. He emphasizes the inadequacy of current AI detection tools, which often result in false positives and negatives, undermining trust and fairness.

2. Adjusting Teaching Methods: The need to evolve teaching methods is highlighted, focusing on harnessing AI as an educational companion rather than fighting it. Dr. Yee advocates for assignments that integrate AI, prompting students to generate AI outputs and then critically analyze or improve them.

3. Equity Issues: Both speakers discuss equity concerns, pointing out that in-class, handwritten assignments could disadvantage certain students, such as those with neurodivergent conditions or without a background in penmanship.

4. Critical Thinking Over Output: There is a consensus that teaching should pivot more towards developing critical thinking and analytical skills, rather than merely focusing on the final product of writing.

5. Institutional Approaches: Dr. Yee mentions the importance of institutions actively preparing for AI-related challenges by offering faculty training on AI fluency and maintaining continuous dialogue about advancements and their implications.

6. Technology and Bias: They discuss the inherent biases in AI algorithms, which are influenced by the datasets on which they are trained, and the importance of educating students to recognize and analyze these biases.

7. Future-Proofing Education: The conversation underscores the necessity for educational systems to remain agile and responsive to the rapid advances in AI technology, ensuring that students are prepared for a future where AI will be a part of their professional toolkit.

Dr. Yee's insights provide valuable guidance around the complexities of AI in education, stressing the importance of adaptation, transparency, and integrity in leveraging these powerful tools. This episode is a critical listen for educators, administrators, and policymakers dealing with the evolving landscape of academic integrity in the age of AI.

Setting aside our pessimistic fears about generative AI in the classroom, what exactly are the possibilities for leveling up education standards? How could AI actually help us become better teachers and students with a more personalized approach to learning?

In the second episode of AI Goes to College, host Professor Sarah Stuart sits down with Jason Gulya, a professor and AI Consultant, to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on personalized education.

Jason, who once faced AI with trepidation, now embraces its potential, sharing his fascinating journey from initial horror to curiosity. We discuss how AI can revolutionize personalized learning, striking a balance between process and product in student assignments. Jason reflects on his own experiences, discussing how AI tools like GPT have shifted his perspective and how these technologies can enhance educational engagement. AI Goes to College is a production of the Digital Media department at Florida State College at Jacksonville in conjunction with the FSCJ AI Advisory Council.

CONTACTS: Want to contact Jason for more ideas? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-gulya/ Email: [email protected]

For show ideas or questions, please send a message to [email protected]

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to AI Goes to College

00:47 Guest Introduction and Background

02:09 Transition From Horror to Curiosity

02:44 The Role of AI in Customizing Education

03:17 Experimentation and Sharing on Social Media

11:06 Reflection on Technology's Evolution

13:09 The Cult of Hyper Efficiency

29:17 Student Engagement and Empathy Activities

48:09 AI Solutions for Diverse Classrooms

54:07 Tools and Recommendations for Educators

01:03:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

#AIGoestoCollege #AIinEducation #PersonalizedLearning #JasonGulya #FutureOfLearning #AIConsulting #EducationalInnovation

Let's continue the conversation with some tips and ideas for teaching with AI! We also have a fascinating discussion here about the deeper implications of this technology and how pedagogy might be affected in the long term.

AI Goes to College is a production of the Digital Media department at Florida State College at Jacksonville in conjunction with the FSCJ AI Advisory Council. This video podcast delves into the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. Featuring a faculty panel with voices from across the disciplines, Part 2 of Episode 1, explores the role of AI in teaching and learning, highlighting AI's transformative power in professional development, academic integrity, and faculty-student interactions. Faculty testimonials shed light on the practical applications, concerns, and varying perspectives on AI usage in their academic journey. The episode not only underscores the institutional and classroom dynamics influenced by AI but also initiates a broader conversation on responsible AI use and its implications for future employment and education sectors.

STAY TUNED! Our upcoming season, starting in August 2024, serves as a virtual speaker series in the world of AI in education. We'll be hosting a special guest each month and delving deeper into the intersection of technology and learning. Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and helpful ideas for teaching with AI. Don't miss out—subscribe now and join us on this exciting journey of discovery!

Faculty Voices in this episode

Professor Kalia Toro Sepulveda, Humanities

Professor Fulton Burns, Theater

Professor Julia Dearriba Montgomery, Digital Media

Dr. Audrey Antee, Communication

Professor Scott Cason, Humanities

Ron Bendele, Computer Science Professor Rebecca Alter, Nursing

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to AI in Education

00:28 Faculty Perspectives on AI Challenges

01:15 Exploring the Impact of AI on Creativity and Privacy

04:13 Faculty and Student Experiences with AI

13:06 Debating AI's Role in Authentic Education

21:18 Innovative AI Applications in Teaching

29:56 Looking Ahead: AI's Future in Education

A special thanks to FSCJ Provost Dr. John Wall and Associate Provost Kathleen Ciez-Volz!