A dedicated team of St. Cloud State University faculty, staff, and administrators has been accepted into the highly competitive American Association of Colleges and University (AAC&U) Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum.
This prestigious program will enable the University to respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses and curricula. SCSU seeks to continue the intentional and visionary work to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into the curriculum, fostering innovative and equitable educational practices.
The selected team will participate in virtual events, mentorship sessions, and monthly meetings throughout the 2024-25 academic year. They will focus on developing strategies and frameworks for increasing AI literacy among students, implementing pedagogical strategies that leverage AI, addressing ethical considerations, and ensuring academic integrity.
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative initiative,” said Dave Blanchard, Director of Online and Distance Learning at St. Cloud State University. “Our goal is to help the University shift to a space where there are opportunities for students to leverage AI within their studies in authentic and career-minded ways. We work with several regional partners and are excited to continue sharing our learning and projects with others. It is exciting to have a team that focuses on equity-minded practices unite around this societal shift in how people use technology.”
The team’s participation underscores St. Cloud State University’s commitment to serving the students of today and the future through institutional innovation, forward-thinking research, innovations in teaching, and overall academic excellence. This team will collaborate with a wider group of employees and students across the campus as their work progresses. The University aims to prepare students for the future workforce while promoting social justice and equity in education by focusing on AI literacy and ethical AI use.
This initiative will significantly impact the University, equipping faculty with the knowledge and tools to incorporate AI into their teaching effectively. The action plans developed during the institute will be implemented across various disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to AI education. This project is led with the support of Academic Affairs, SCSU Online and Distance Learning, and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
The team representing SCSU at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum includes:
- Dr. Melissa Hanzsek-Brill, Dean of the College of Education and Learning Design
- Dr. Mary Clifford, Professor of Criminal Justice
- Dr. Mark Petzold, Professor of Computer Science
- Dr. Ruthanne Kim, Professor and Faculty Lead for Community Antiracism Education (C.A.R.E.)
- Dr. Janet Tilstra, Professor and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
- Dave Blanchard, Director of Online and Distance Learning
- Mark Gill, Director of SCSU Visualization Lab
