Beyond the Ban: Sunaina Sharma on AI, Student Motivation, and the Future of Classroom Technology

Beyond the Ban: Sunaina Sharma on AI, Student Motivation, and the Future of Classroom Technology

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Sunaina Sharma, Assistant Professor at Brock University and longtime English educator, to explore one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: What happens when educators feel caught between the promise of AI and the realities of classroom life? Drawing on more than two decades of experience and recent research involving hundreds of secondary school teachers, Sunaina shares how the relationship between students, technology, and learning has fundamentally shifted since the pandemic. While many teachers are already using AI behind the scenes to support their work, uncertainty around policy, parent expectations, and institutional support often prevents them from bringing these conversations directly into the classroom. The episode also examines the growing "revolt" against technology in schools, where some educators are returning entirely to pen-and-paper assessments in an effort to preserve authentic learning. Sunaina challenges listeners to think beyond an either-or mindset, arguing that the real opportunity lies in creating thoughtful guardrails, meaningful professional learning, and classroom experiences that help students understand why their learning matters. For educators and leaders, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the challenge isn't simply about adopting new technologies—it's about building cultures of trust, support, and mutual respect that allow innovation to happen responsibly.

AI for Everyone: How UCF Is Bringing Innovation Beyond Computer Science

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Maritza Concha and Ketty Dones from the University of Central Florida’s Applied AI Innovation Initiative to explore how artificial intelligence is empowering students, nonprofits, and professionals who don’t come from technical backgrounds. The conversation highlights a powerful shift happening across higher education: AI is no longer reserved for computer scientists. Through community partnerships, nonprofit support programs, and classroom innovation, Dr. Concha and Ketty are helping learners use AI to solve real-world problems—from grant writing and program evaluation to healthcare support and community engagement. The episode also tackles some of the biggest questions surrounding AI adoption, including critical thinking, workforce disruption, and the growing need for AI literacy across every discipline. Rather than replacing human expertise, the discussion emphasizes how AI can become a collaborator that helps people work more creatively, strategically, and effectively. For educators, administrators, and community leaders, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how AI can expand opportunity, strengthen local impact, and make innovation accessible to everyone—not just those who know how to code.

Building a Safe Path to AI: Brett Hinson on Leadership, Trust, and Innovation in Higher Education

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Brett Hinson, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Lipscomb University, to discuss what it takes to lead technology transformation in higher education. With decades of experience across multiple industries, Brett brings a practical and refreshing perspective on balancing innovation, security, and institutional trust. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: technology should serve people, not the other way around. Brett explains how Lipscomb has approached AI adoption by creating a culture of “maybe” instead of “no,” encouraging experimentation while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect students, faculty, and institutional data. The discussion also explores how successful AI implementation requires more than selecting the right tools. It depends on collaboration between IT, faculty, administrators, legal teams, and academic leadership. By focusing on simple guardrails instead of excessive bureaucracy, institutions can create environments where innovation can flourish without sacrificing security. For higher education leaders, this episode offers valuable lessons on building trust, reducing fear, and creating pathways for responsible AI adoption that put student success at the center of every decision.

From AI Conversations to AI Action: Tawnya Means on Moving Higher Education Forward

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Tawnya Means, founding partner of Inspire Higher Ed, for a conversation about one of the biggest shifts happening across campuses: moving from talking about AI to actually using it. As institutions navigate uncertainty, Tawnya offers a practical and human-centered perspective on what meaningful adoption really looks like. The discussion explores the psychological barriers that often slow progress—fear of complexity, pressure to be an expert, and the frustration of early failures. Tawnya argues that AI adoption doesn’t begin with mastering the technology. It starts with curiosity, experimentation, and creating communities where educators feel safe sharing both wins and setbacks. The episode also highlights an important balance: embracing AI while preserving what should remain deeply human. Through practical examples and institutional insights, Tawnya makes the case that the future isn’t about replacing people—it’s about creating more space for human connection, creativity, and impact.

AI Is No Longer a Tool: Daniel Kazakos on Skills, Systems, and the Future of Work

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Daniel R. Kazakos—US Army veteran, strategist, system thinker, and CEO—to explore how AI is reshaping workforce development and changing the way we think about human value in an AI-driven world. Daniel argues that AI is no longer just another productivity tool. Instead, he frames it as a skill—one that requires continuous practice, human judgment, and intentional guidance. Drawing from experiences across healthcare, finance, consulting, and education, he challenges the idea that AI creates shortcuts, emphasizing instead that the people who thrive will be those who learn how to direct, evaluate, and work alongside these systems effectively. The conversation also explores a broader shift in education and career preparation. From helping students build consulting mindsets to identifying opportunities hidden inside large datasets, Daniel makes the case that curiosity and human agency remain central. For educators and leaders, this episode is a reminder that the future belongs not to those who simply use AI—but to those who learn how to shape it.