FGCU Teaching, Learning, & Researching with AI Symposium

April 23, 2024 / Digital Learning / Tags: AI, Symposium, Digital Learning

FGCU Teaching, Learning, & Researching with AI Symposium

The AI Symposium held at the University Library on Friday, April 5th was a resounding success, bringing together educators, researchers, and AI enthusiasts for a day filled with engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking presentations. Here's a summary of the key highlights and takeaways from the event:

Keynote Address by Dr. Leandro de Castro: Dr. Castro's captivating talk provided a historical overview of AI, tracing its evolution from early concepts to current advancements and future possibilities. Attendees gained valuable insights into the trajectory of AI research and its potential implications.

Exploring AI Applications in Mental Health and Education: Sessions led by Melody Schmaltz, Ariella VanHara, and Tracy Elliot delved into the intersection of AI and mental health care, ethical considerations, and innovative educational approaches. Participants gained new perspectives on leveraging AI to support mental wellness and enhance learning outcomes.

Ethical Awareness and Responsible AI Use: Chrissann Ruehle and Nate Turcotte, led discussions on ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. Attendees examined real-world case studies and ethical dilemmas, fostering critical thinking and responsible AI use.

Innovative AI Tools and Pedagogical Approaches: Presentations by Mark Bole, Joanna Salapska-Gelleri, and others showcased innovative AI-driven tools and pedagogical strategies. From tutoring simulations to agent-based research projects, participants discovered practical applications of AI in diverse educational contexts.

Open Forum Discussions and Knowledge Sharing: The symposium fostered vibrant discussions and knowledge sharing among participants. Open forum sessions facilitated exchanges of ideas, experiences, and best practices, creating a collaborative environment for exploring AI's potential in education.

Closing Reflections and Future Directions: Tracy Elliott and Chrissann Ruehle led the closing session, inviting attendees to reflect on key learnings and share feedback. Participants discussed implementation strategies and brainstormed ideas for future AI learning events, highlighting the symposium's impact on fostering continued dialogue and innovation.

Overall, the AI Symposium served as a dynamic platform for exploring AI in education, fostering collaboration, and inspiring participants to utilize the transformative power of AI in their professional endeavors. As we look to the future, the symposium's insights and connections will undoubtedly shape ongoing efforts to integrate AI into teaching, learning, and research.

Stay tuned for updates on future AI initiatives and events. Thank you to all participants, speakers, and organizers for making the symposium an informative and engaging day of all things AI!

If you are interested in viewing any of the presentations, please self-enroll in the Canvas course: FGCU Teaching, Learning, & Researching with AI Symposium