“AI, Education, and the Unknown: A Guided Discussion for Today’s Teachers"

Aubra and Andrew Bulin

Saturday, 21 February, 15:00-17:00  at Notre Dame Seishin University

Overview

Artificial Intelligence is moving into classrooms faster than many educators anticipated, and while its long‑term effects remain uncertain, early signs suggest it could meaningfully influence how students learn, create, and interact with information. This session—led by a Security Engineer and a Professor—offers a grounded yet urgent exploration of the possibilities, risks, and unanswered questions surrounding AI’s expanding role in education. Rather than delivering fixed conclusions, the talk will adapt dynamically to participants’ questions and concerns, creating a space to examine emerging opportunities, potential challenges around privacy, equity, and academic integrity, and ways teachers might maintain a human‑centered learning environment amid rapid technological change.

Presenter Bios

Aubra Bio: Aubra Bulin, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Academic English in the Discovery Program for Global Learners at Okayama University. She teaches multiple levels of academic English and has researched online education and EdTech since 2017. Her current KAKENHI-funded project examines AI Anxiety among faculty. Recent JALT International Conference presentations include “Demystifying AI: Practical Integration for Faculty” (2025) and “I Am Not a Robot: Teaching Soft Skills in Language Classes” (2024). In 2025, she completed a two-year collaborative Erasmus project developing AI training materials for faculty with colleagues in Japan and France.

Andrew Bio: Andrew Bulin is a software engineer and infrastructure architect at GMO Flatt Security in Shibuya, Tokyo, where he works on a product team integrating LLMs into security tools. He also runs his own consulting firm, Cybertooth Technologies, providing data infrastructure services. Andrew began programming as a teenager and has since worked at SoftLayer (IBM) and Amazon Web Services before moving to Japan and taking on his current role. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology, which informs his approach to critical thinking, decision-making, and technology ethics. Andrew also values team building and mentorship, actively supporting junior engineers in his organization.

• DATE: Saturday, 21 February, 15:00~17:00

• PLACE: NDSU Joseph Hall International Communication Center

• COST: FREE for JALT members; ￥1000 for friends (Please sign up with QR code or link below)

https://forms.gle/w54HV865u57d9yLu5

Thank you for your support!

“New Year, New Connections” with Okayama JALT This Saturday, 31 January, 15:00-17:00 at Notre Dame Seishin University

Join us for a lively afternoon of food, drinks, and interactive networking. Forget long speeches; come meet your officers through fun activities and help shape our vision for the year ahead.

Whether you want to learn how to join our team or simply socialize with fellow educators, come discover how you can get involved. Let’s toast to a fresh start in language teaching!

We’ll have fun, games, and snacks!

• DATE: Saturday, 31 January, 15:00~17:00

• PLACE: NDSU Joseph Hall International Communication Center

• COST: FREE for all (Please sign up with QR code or link below)

https://forms.gle/vKNCaH2RbqFWuzgFA

Thank you for your support!

Presenter/Attendee Sign-Up

https://forms.gle/YAvKYASuww4qSS176

No formal presentation preparation is required. Just bring your ideas and questions.

Please help us by signing up so that we can submit a participant list to the venue by Friday, 19 September

    DATE: Saturday, 20 September, 15:00~17:00

    PLACE: Notre Dame Seishin University, Joseph Hall International Communication Center (NOTE: this is a late room change)

    COST: FREE for JALT members and presenters, ¥1000 for others

    RSVP: 19 September; sign up by URL or QR code

Thank you for your support!

Okayama JALT Research and Teaching Showcase

• DATE: Saturday, 22 February, 15:00~17:00

• PLACE: NDSU Trinity Hall, 5th floor room 53

(their NEW BUILDING!)

• COST: FREE for JALT members & 1st time visitors, others ￥1000

Poster Presenter Sign-Up

https://forms.gle/n1FZyemQrHFHTZDr7

Attendee Sign-Up

https://forms.gle/kUP3PpxZWQKqe8TF9