This panel features K-12 and Higher Educator Administrators and Faculty addressing the impact of AI on their organizational climate and practices, policy implications, and professional development needs and aproaches.
Daniel Lenz is an Assistant Director and lecturer for the Writing & Multiliteracy Center at CSU Channel Islands where he primarily supports tutor programs and the WMC's STEM writing and communication resources. Additionally, since ChatGPT's release in November of 2022, he has been fortunate to participate in numerous workshops and lectures on generative artificial intelligence (AI) including Teaching and Learning Innovation's (TLi) Summer Residency in AI Tools. He has also developed resources centered on generative AI writing including a Spring 2023 Faculty Inquiry Project for CSUCI faculty and a workshop for faculty on generative AI writing in the classroom. His primary interest in generative AI is helping faculty of all disciplines to explore strategies for utilizing generative AI to effectively develop students' writing and communication.
Aaron Ferguson is the Coordinator for Distance Learning and the Canvas administrator in charge of Oxnard Online, the Oxnard Union High School Districts' online learning platform. His work with Oxnard Online includes building an online pathway for high school graduation that includes almost 100 courses that are 100% teacher customizable through the use of Canvas. Aaron is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of working in high school and higher education sectors. He is skilled in Geology, Chemistry, Research, Management, Marketing Strategy, and Educational Technology.He has a Master's Degree in Geosciences from Mississippi State University. In 2017, Aaron was awarded the Milken National Educator for his work with the Academy of Business where he connected teams of students with local businesses looking to grow their social media marketing.
Dana Thompson brings over two decades of educational leadership experience driving innovation in learning through technology. As Director of Education Technology at the Ventura County Office of Education, she spearheaded professional development programs to empower educators with emerging Ed Tech tools, strategies, and pedagogies. More recently, Dana has focused much of her efforts on learning about artificial intelligence and its impact on education. She has provided several trainings for teachers and school administrators on utilizing AI to streamline workflow, provide student choice and personalized learning activities, and differentiated lessons through AI-powered Ed tech tools and platforms. Dana has presented at several conferences in the past year regarding the responsible and ethical use of AI in classrooms, as well as to educational committees across California on the growing impact of AI in education. Dana's hope is that her research and advocacy will help prepare schools for how AI will shape the future of teaching and learning.