Exploring the Future of AI in Education: Webinars Featuring Drs. George Hanshaw and Joanna Vance

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape various sectors, higher education is no exception. Two of Los Angeles Pacific University’s (LAPU’s) distinguished faculty members, Dr. George Hanshaw and Dr. Joanna Vance, will present at The Teaching Professor Conference on AI in Education from December 3-4. This exclusive webinar will explore how AI is transforming the educational landscape.

Hanshaw and Vance are not only leading experts in the field but also passionate advocates for the responsible and thoughtful integration of AI into teaching practices. Through their experience, they aim to help educators navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by AI-powered tools in the classroom.

How AI Captivated Their Interest

Vance’s fascination with AI stems from her broader interest in the intersection of technology and education. She shared, “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can enhance our understanding of language and communication. Learning about AI felt like a natural way to explore that, especially since it has the potential to change everything about how we currently approach educating students.” Vance also highlighted the exciting possibilities that AI offers. “AI’s potential to create personalized learning experiences is what inspires me. The ability to tailor instruction to individual students’ needs is a game-changer, and I see AI becoming an integral part of how we approach education in the near future.”

Transforming Asynchronous Learning

Similarly, Hanshaw, Director of Digital Learning Solutions at LAPU, said his main focus was to “create a radically student-centered learning experience.” Through his expertise in digital learning, Hanshaw found that the AI assistance helped those who feel less supported and less engaged academically in school because their strengths lie in their experience and not necessarily in academics.“ Active learning works to create durable learning. That’s hard to do without face-to-face interaction,” said Hanshaw. “When learning is asynchronous, you have to have something to engage that active learning piece. As soon as I saw what the GPT’s (generative pre-trained transformers) can do, I saw that AI and asynchronous learning means that we can now have personalized active learning within our courses.”

AI Course Assistants: The Case for Spark

During the webinar, both professors will touch on AI topics, and tools such as Spark, an AI-powered course assistant that supports both students and instructors. As Vance explained, “AI course assistants are helpful in several ways. They provide immediate support to students by answering questions and clarifying concepts, reducing frustration. This flexible learning environment allows students to get help at any time.”

While Spark is still in its early stages at LAPU, the professors envision a broader role for AI. “Although we do not currently use Spark to its full potential, AI can also assist instructors by automating routine tasks such as grading quizzes and managing administrative duties. This frees up faculty time to focus on teaching and engaging with students,” said Vance.

Student Feedback: Positive Reactions to AI Integration

AI course assistants like Spark have already generated positive feedback from students. According to Vance, “Students generally appreciate the immediate support AI provides. They value being able to clarify concepts when they need help the most, which ultimately enhances their learning experience.” The tailored, personalized learning experiences offered by AI have been particularly well-received. “Many students enjoy how AI adapts its responses based on their queries, making the process feel more individualized,”  Vance added.

The Broader Implications of AI in Higher Education

Looking at the bigger picture, both professors believe AI will have a profound impact on higher education. “GPTs are transforming education today,” said Hanshaw. “Data is where AI is the most powerful, and we can now start creating legitimately personalized degrees and personalized content, in real time, and on demand.” He continued to explain that “now the framework is there” and compared the concept to Netflix’s video selection. “Unlike Netflix, AI will be fully customizable for each individual in higher education to get content built for them on demand.”

Vance noted, “AI can tailor educational content and pacing to meet individual student needs, making learning more accessible and effective.” However, they also recognize the ethical challenges that come with AI integration. Vance cautioned, “The integration of AI raises important ethical considerations, particularly around data privacy and equity. Institutions will need to navigate these challenges to ensure that AI is implemented fairly.”

The Power of Collaboration

Hanshaw and Vance also credit collaboration with fellow faculty members for much of their work. “Collaboration is essential to creating more innovative solutions. When we work together, we bring different strengths to the table, which leads to greater productivity and more efficient project completion,” said Vance. “Each faculty member contributes in unique ways, and that collaboration helps me stay motivated. It also enhances the quality of our work because we can focus on our respective strengths.”

Hanshaw agreed, adding, “I commend Dr. Vance for bringing conversations about AI to the table here at LAPU.” Although he is excited about the future of AI, Hanshaw said there are challenges anticipated with AI being implemented into higher education courses. “We have to overcome our own preconceived notion of what AI is and look at it from a perspective on how to create a radically student-centered environment, where our students not only thrive in school but they take that information and also thrive outside.” He continued, “Most people have negative preconceived notions about AI. AI is not here to replace, but a tool to help. Get educated about AI and learn why it’s important, and then implement it.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years

Both professors envision significant changes in the next five years. “In the next few years, I see AI transforming education through personalized learning experiences, allowing students to progress at their own pace with tailored support,” Vance said. “AI-powered tools will streamline administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. We’ll also likely see AI becoming a collaborative partner in education, helping us make better decisions and improve student outcomes.”

Hanshaw echoed similar sentiments. “We are going to see personalized education on demand in the next five years. At LAPU we already have the beginnings of that, and we purposely choose people over process.”

What to Expect at the Conference

At the Teaching Professor Conference, Hanshaw and Vance hope to inspire attendees with practical applications of AI in education. “I hope attendees leave the sessions with a deeper understanding of AI’s potential for enhancing learning and streamlining processes. We’re all still learning about the best practices for integrating AI into classrooms, but the possibilities are vast,” said Vance.”I want educators to see AI as a partner rather than a replacement. By working with AI, teachers can identify trends in student performance and improve the educational experience through data-driven decision-making.”

Hanshaw has some advice for educators who are hesitant to incorporate AI into their teaching practices. “Embrace AI to show your students how to use it ethically,” advised Hanshaw. “We know through data that by embracing AI, you can create equity in learning. AI helps each individual–regardless of educational background– improve their ability to perform. If you are not allowing people to use the correct tools, you are not allowing them to reach their full potential.”

Vance agreed and said, “For educators hesitant to incorporate AI into their teaching practices, I would recommend starting small and exploring how AI can enhance, rather than replace, their existing methods.”

Conclusion

As AI continues to evolve, its role in education will undoubtedly expand. Hanshaw and Vance are at the forefront of this transformation, and their upcoming presentations at The Teaching Professor Conference promise to offer valuable insights into the future of learning.

To gain a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance the educational experience, be sure to join the upcoming webinars and learn directly from two of our university’s brightest minds.