Building the Future: Applied AI and Engineering at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Summer Chats: Revamp, Rethink, Retool for an Experimental Classroom

Did someone say we need a complete philosophical overhaul in education? How about some better ideas for asynchronous online classes? We've got both in this brief little episode! Join Professor Sarah and Dr. Scott Cason in their summer 2025 'AI Goes to College' short-form podcast. We explore rethinking the learning outcomes altogether and discuss how AI can be integrated into teaching methods. Scott shares his transformative experience of redesigning his courses to leverage AI tools, aiming to make learning more authentic and relevant. We discuss practical challenges, philosophical shifts, and innovative strategies to enhance students' engagement and learning outcomes in an AI-dominated era. Get insights on technology integration, assignment ideas, authentic assessment, and the evolving role of educators. \ 00:00 Introduction to AI Summer Chats 00:20 Philosophical Overhauls in Education 01:39 Challenges with AI in Online Quizzes 02:50 Embracing AI in Teaching 04:26 Innovative Assignments and Student Engagement 06:34 Integrating AI in Course Design 10:44 Reflections on Teaching with AI 14:56 Future of Teaching and Human Interaction

Commencement: Reflecting on AI's Presence in Higher Ed

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&>div>div>:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&>div>div>:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0"> Note to listeners: there are visual references in this video, that you can see by accessing the YouTube version here instead [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7FZ3wA85Ho] Summary In this final episode of "AI Goes to College," we bring together diverse voices from across FSCJ to reflect on a year of AI integration in higher education. Host Professor Stuart weaves together perspectives from faculty, administrators, and students to create a portrait of how artificial intelligence is transforming campus life. Using Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as a framing device,n she explores whether we are creating something beyond our control, and what responsibility educators have in guiding this technology's development. From AI-enhanced Socratic seminars to employee management systems, the episode showcases real-world applications while addressing concerns about critical thinking, the learning process, and the future of education. Show Notes Introduction * Host Professor Sarah reflects on one year of documenting AI's impact at FSCJ * Opening montage features student and faculty voices expressing both optimism and concern * Mary Shelley's Frankenstein * The Luddite movement: a relevant parallel narrative to today's AI revolution? Chapter 1: Early Adopters * Rusty Gardner (Executive Director of Enterprise Information Systems) discusses the dual approach to AI at FSCJ: * Educational side: What tools can be used for teaching and learning * Functional side: How staff use AI in daily operations * Professor Scott Cason (Humanities) showcases his AI "agents" (Culture Sage and Belief Bot) that enhance Socratic seminars * Students engage with AI before class discussions, leading to deeper and longer conversations * Quiz scores improved after implementing this approach Chapter 2: Skeptics * Professor Joe LaBarbera (Speech) emphasizes the "GIGO" principle (Garbage In, Garbage Out) with AI * Warns against "the dumbing down of society" if critical thinking skills are sidelined * Notes that AI cannot help students manage communication apprehension or adapt to live audiences * "It doesn't do the same thing that a real person can do... the emotion is often out of it." Chapter 3: Institutional Intelligence * Max Sukalo (Instructional Program Manager, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management) developed an AI system that streamlines operations * Created a decision-making flowchart using institutional policies fed into AI * Reduced 45-minute consultations to 15-second AI responses * Views AI as "not a tool, it's a partner" with boundaries and guidelines Chapter 4: The Students * In Professor David Singletary's Computer Science course, students creating an AI application that recognizes ASL fingerspelling * Alexis Stuart (Digital Media student): * Uses AI for caption generation in video editing * Created social media campaign text while focusing on design elements herself * Uses AI for practical life planning (meal planning, travel itineraries) * James and AJ Higbe (father and son in Applied AI program): * James: "I choose to be an AI optimist" * Uses AI as a research assistant in professional work * AJ: Found AI helpful for philosophy class Chapter 5: The Lesson ...Perhaps! * Professor Ron Bendele (Computer Science) reflects on AI's evolution since the 1990s * Already uses AI to teach and grade coursework in some classes * Sees professors' roles evolving but not disappearing * Highlights from past guests: * Jason Gulya: Initial horror about AI's implications for plagiarism gave way to recognition of teaching opportunities * Dr. Kevin Yee, University of Central Florida * Flower Darby: The importance of helping students use AI "in appropriate, thoughtful, and responsible ways" * Laura Dumin, Unversity of Central Oklahoma * Chad Davis, Nebraska Public Media: Concerns about AI potentially causing job displacement similar to factory workers in the 1980s-90s * The enduring importance of human networks, trust, and kindness Conclusion * Unlike Dr. Frankenstein, educators cannot abandon their creation * The need to guide AI to ensure it serves human flourishing * A call for continued conversation about AI's role in education This podcast was supported by the AI Advisory Council at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and it was written and produced by Sarah Stuart and the college's Digital Multimedia Productions, especially Mark Hubbard and Curtis Wucker. A special thanks to all of the students, faculty, and staff who shared their experiences in this episode. Please email sarah.stuart@fscj.edu [sarah.stuart@fscj.edu] with questions, comments, and feedback or leave a comment below! Episode artwork: ChatGPT-generated image

Building the Future: Applied AI and Engineering at Florida State College at Jacksonville

Unveiling FSCJ's Applied AI Degree Program....and a strategic vision for the future! In this episode of 'AI Goes to College,' we learn about Florida State College at Jacksonville's new program in Applied AI. Interested? Details for the program can be found at this link [https://www.fscj.edu/academics/associate-in-science/2159]! Panelists include Dr. Brauer, Dean of Engineering Technology and Industry, Professor Sha'kia Riggins, Lead Facilitator for AI Workforce with Intel and FinTech Professor; and Professor Paul Soar, an automotive technology professor who spearheaded the autonomous vehicle program alongside the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The discussion explores FSCJ's new A.S. degree in Applied AI, the innovative projects students are working on, collaborations with industry partners like the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the exciting future prospects of AI in education and workforce development. Tune in to hear what's happening at our institution and how students can get involved in this cutting-edge program. PLUS, Dr. Brauer reveals a strategic vision that could position FSCJ as a national hub for automated vehicle technical training—a game-changer for students and the region! Link to Intel Training Program [https://www.mdc.edu/entec/grants/intel.aspx] Show outline: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=0s] Introduction to AI Goes to College 00:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=24s] FSCJ's New Applied AI Degree 00:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=56s] Meet the Panel of Experts: Dr. Brauer, Sha'Kia Riggins, Paul Soar 02:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=135s] Lightning Round: Innovation, Automation, Productivity 03:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=232s] Professor Riggins' Background and Role 06:43 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=403s] Dr. Brauer on the Origin of the Program 12:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=734s] Automated Vehicle Program with JTA: Paul Soar 19:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1152s] Building the Applied AI Program 29:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1744s] AI in Education: A Unique Approach 3 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1830s]0:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1830s] Innovative AI Curriculum Development 3 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1859s]0:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1859s] Hands-On AI Projects for Students 32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1939s]:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=1939s] Staying Updated with AI Advancements 4 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=2630s]3:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=2630s] Ethical Implications of AI in the Classroom 5 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=3012s]0:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6x7q7-UUQ8&t=3012s] Future of AI Programs and Student Involvement

Facing an Unknown Future: How AI is Transforming the Workforce with Jeremy Caplan of City University of New York and Wonder Tools

We know the future can seem daunting right now, and the world of AI is constantly changing with new products, players, and tools. It's difficult to get a handle on it! Our guest today offers some guidance! He will walk us through some very practical tools and ideas to tame the deluge of AI news. Jeremy Caplan, Director of Teaching and Learning at CUNY's Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and head of the Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program, as well as the creator of the Wonder Tools newsletter (see link below), shares his insights on digital education, productivity tools, and emerging career landscapes. Discover Jeremy's favorite AI tools, how institutions can better equip faculty and students, and what skills will be crucial in the AI-driven job market. Jeremy unveils the trending field such as data analysis and community engagement, and he emphasizes the significance of creative content in the workplace. Tune in for invaluable advice for graduates and anyone looking to navigate the evolving job environment. Check out Caplan's newsletter Wonder Tools! https://wondertools.substack.com/ [https://wondertools.substack.com/] Some featured tools in this episode: * Improve your focus? Neurable https://www.neurable.com/ [https://www.neurable.com/] * Limitless Pendant https://www.limitless.ai/#pendant [https://www.limitless.ai/#pendant] Other tools mentioned: * Bionic dictation apps: Audio Pen, Oasis, Letterly * ChatGPT Projects * Perplexity Spaces NotebookLM Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to AI Goes to College 00:29 Meet Jeremy Caplan: Digital Education Leader 01:14 Jeremy's Background and Achievements 02:46 Favorite AI Characters in Fiction 04:10 Exploring New AI Tools 08:17 Advice for Future Job Seekers 11:33 The Importance of Initiative in the Workplace 14:10 AI Tools for Productivity and Creativity 18:40 AI Projects: Enhancing Learning and Research 26:00 The Value of AI Projects 27:29 Exploring Readwise and Kindle Integration 29:08 Introducing Wonder Tools Newsletter 34:23 AI in Education and Training 44:49 Emerging Careers in AI 52:22 Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Future of Jobs and the Media with Chad Davis

They say it's not an AI that will take your jobs, but the employees who know how to use AI. Let's dig in, and really see what we need to look our for on the horizon as AI continues to seep into all corners of the professional world. 🤖✨ They say it's not an AI that will take your job, but the employees who know how to use AI. Let's dig in, and really see what we need to look our for on the horizon as AI continues to seep into all corners of the professional world. 🤖✨ Join me, Professor Sarah, for an insightful, fun, and eye-opening conversation with Chad Davis from Nebraska Public Media. He has some great tips on how you can thrive in an AI-driven landscape, and how media, specifically public media, is changing. The AI Advisory Council at Florida State College at Jacksonville is proud to host another talk with an expert at the "Jagged Edge" of the AI frontier (as Ethan Mollick calls it).🌟 🌟 🎨✍️ Why do traditional skills like writing and art still matter? Chad brings his expertise as the Chief Innovation Officer at Nebraska Public Media to unpack these questions and more. From integrating generative AI and immersive tech into public media to leading national conversations about media innovation, Chad is your go-to guide for navigating this fast-evolving world. Check out his newsletter link below!🌐 What's in store for you? * The role of soft skills in the AI era How AI is transforming creative fields Tackling biases in hiring and creating inclusive workplaces * The future of news, media literacy, and lifelong learning career advice for graduates and professionals looking to stay ahead. * Fun takes on AI in pop culture and what we can learn from our favorite AI characters 🌟 Whether you're a student, a professional, or just curious about the future, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights to future-proof your career while keeping creativity alive. 📚 PLUS: Chad shares his top book picks, historical insights (hello, Luddites!), and advice for staying adaptable in this tech-driven era. 💡 BIO: Chad Davis is the Chief Innovation Officer at Nebraska Public Media, where he leads Nebraska Public Media Labs, the organization's research and development division focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and immersive video into public media. As the inaugural Chair of the Public Media Innovators peer learning community at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), Chad is at the forefront of transforming the public media landscape. Chad also authors Public Media Innovators Weekly, a newsletter exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and media innovation. With a passion for storytelling and technology, Chad is committed to driving public media forward while maintaining its core mission of serving and engaging communities. LINKS: Nebraska Public Media Website: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXpDQ1IwUUduaFQ0dXlBWFlOSUcxc3QyQUJ5UXxBQ3Jtc0ttakFrWVFkSHRLallrUUZLc0RxWVpYSlNXQkU1bGNRejlEcEtUNUVvSU1tT1VSZHZwQmNVdmN0Zm5jQ1MxWS1JSU5mekhocWRjV3RrTHdHMGpORjgwV1k4dFZuZWlFN3FyMS1pbHBRVGpsaDM0TE9hSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskapublicmedia.org%2Fen%2F&v=eVKKd3UZmII] Public Media Innovators Weekly: / public-media-innovators-weekly-71608590652... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkxsWjVYZVUteHVRc0lnVEliaWNkN1dMRjloZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZGZJLXZwYnFlZjhOZC1UWlVNS3BQLTRBdDdSMms0Zmo4R1JMVXdNOUJ0dXVWdzNMX2lQakE2WGhNMS04M3RmR0xka2VvbGthVU5XRGd0Um9pX2ZWdXpkTDlzRk1RTEZkYktvcjF1X09fNUhBb0ZFSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fnewsletters%2Fpublic-media-innovators-weekly-7160859065202475008%2F&v=eVKKd3UZmII] Chad's LinkedIn Profile: / chadjasondavis [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2dmNm5QbWFrVXh2TTV2czV2TGRQZEFZZ196Z3xBQ3Jtc0trVC1EUHBMejh6Ty1OT1lCbkczT195WFUxQnFmZnk3d0hPazZVdDlMTUJsZEdXQ2xGV0tYcTh0ZVhzUGhvcFhsRGNLY09HQmc0RDFnWkJjeTlYaWNPUklrRGZzZmN2cDRPSnFRM2hFa0tLLUc3ZnJFWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fchadjasondavis%2F&v=eVKKd3UZmII] Some key ideas in this episode: The Role of Soft Skills in the AI Era AI's Impact on Creative Fields Biases in AI and Hiring Practices The Future of News and Media Literacy Book Recommendations and Historical Insights on the Luddite movement The Future of Work and Lifelong Learning Adapting to Technological Changes Advice for Graduates and Professionals Exploring AI in Public Media Favorite AI Characters and Their Influence Skills for Future-Proofing Careers