AI, Equity, and the Legacy of Access
Keynote speaker

AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning, but only if guided by intentional policy, ethical design, and equity-driven practices. This interactive keynote will situate AI within the long history of U.S. education — from the one-room schoolhouse through industrial models to today’s digital landscape. This keynote workshop provides a historical foundation, a critical lens on equity challenges, and a call to action for leveraging AI to prioritize student success and community voice.

Promoting Human x AI Partnerships for Deeper Student Engagement in the Classroom
Webinar

What happens when humans and AI truly work together in the learning process? In this webinar, Dr. Gloria Niles will explore how a cognitive synergy framework can help online instructors create more engaging, thoughtful, and balanced digital classrooms.

Rather than seeing it as a quick fix or an extra task, we'll consider how AI can become a genuine teaching partner that helps us model curiosity and courage, conduct meaningful dialogue, and create space for deeper learning. We'll discuss ways to use AI tools to reduce busywork, reduce cognitive overload, and boost creativity for instructors and students.

By reimagining AI as a collaborator, participants will discover ways to cultivate sustainable, inclusive online learning cultures that center on human connection and intellectual exploration. You will leave with practical ideas for designing learning experiences that blend human insight with AI support, building stronger connections and engagement in every class.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore new ways to partner with AI tools that make online courses more engaging and human-centered.

• Encourage authentic student dialogue and curiosity by using AI to support reflection and collaboration.

• Apply simple strategies to prevent overload by using AI to streamline tasks, leaving more time and energy for connection, creativity, and meaningful learning.