Featured Plenary Speakers
For our 29th annual event, TCC features six plenary sessions or two sessions each day. These sessions are scheduled so that participants may view a live session during a a typically workday in four regions of the world: Asia (JST), Hawaii (HST), North America (EDT) and Europe (EEST).
Regardless of your location, there will be a plenary session that you can join in real-time. These sessions are recorded and available for viewing the following day.
TCC 2024 Plenary Sessions
Navigating the AI Frontier [Ilene Frank & Doug Holten]
Description:
Generative AI tools are transforming the teaching and learning landscape, introducing new opportunities for enhancing teaching and learning, as well as presenting new and serious pitfalls. This session explores how both new and innovative tools and existing evidence-based teaching techniques can help to navigate AI better to improve student success and equity. We’ll share resources, tips, and examples to guide you in effectively applying these tools and techniques in your own courses.
About Your Presenter(s):
Ilene Frank, M.A., M.F.A. currently serves as a tenured Reference Librarian at Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon Campus, Florida, and teaches in the Distance Education & E-Learning Master's program at the University of Maryland Global Campus. She has been keenly interested in leveraging technology - including artificial intelligence - to enhance teaching and learning.
Doug Holton, Ph.D. works in the Center for Innovative Teaching and Technology at Hillsborough Community College. His background is in the learning sciences and he was a faculty member at Utah State before serving as Director of Digital Learning at Embry-Riddle and Director of Teaching and Learning at Florida Poly. His main interests revolve around improving student success and equity through evidence-based teaching strategies, open-source educational software, and faculty development.
HyFlex at the Post-COVID Era: Stakes, Challenges and Perspectives [John Augeri]
Description:
Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) configurations assumed a higher importance during the pandemic which enabled remote and face-to-face students to attend the same class while maintaining social distancing. The post-COVID transformations in teaching and learning practices are poised to increase access to higher education and forecast a positive middle and long-term future of our institutions.
This session will return to the genesis of the HyFlex concept, compare it to the COVID time implementations and review lessons learned from early and more recent experiences to holistically discuss the stakes, the challenges and the perspectives especially through the angles of institutional integration, faculty development and the instructional design, learning analytics, and technological infrastructures.
About Your Presenter(s):
John Augeri, PhD, Teaching & Learning Program Director at Ile-de-France Digital University, focused on innovative Learning Spaces & Hybridizations and Faculty Development. He is co-leader of the EDUCAUSE French Delegation and Editor in Chief of its Annual Report.
Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) configurations assumed a higher importance during the pandemic which enabled remote and face-to-face students to attend the same class while maintaining social distancing. The post-COVID transformations in teaching and learning practices are poised to increase access to higher education and forecast a positive middle and long-term future of our institutions.
This session will return to the genesis of the HyFlex concept, compare it to the COVID time implementations and review lessons learned from early and more recent experiences to holistically discuss the stakes, the challenges and the perspectives especially through the angles of institutional integration, faculty development and the instructional design, learning analytics, and technological infrastructures.
About Your Presenter(s):
John Augeri, PhD, Teaching & Learning Program Director at Ile-de-France Digital University, focused on innovative Learning Spaces & Hybridizations and Faculty Development. He is co-leader of the EDUCAUSE French Delegation and Editor in Chief of its Annual Report.
The Aloha Algorithm: Designing the Future of AI with Hawaiian Compassion and Connection [Brendan Brennan & Chris Bell]
Description:
Join us for "The Aloha Algorithm," a dynamic workshop where we'll envision AI's future as a catalyst for reconnection—to our land, our communities, and ourselves. Inspired by Hawaii's unity with nature and strong community bonds, we'll explore how AI can be ethically integrated into society with Hawaii as the model for the world. Engage in spirited discussions, imaginative exercises, and collaborative design sessions to shape a future where Hawaiian values and communal well-being elevates AI’s potential to help us be better people.
About Your Presenter(s):
Brendan Brennan, a distinguished entrepreneur, designer, educator, and curriculum developer with diverse roots in Boston, Honolulu, Osaka, and Irvine, CA, has founded numerous educational startups globally, aiming to enhance community life through innovation. His unique experiences—from learning kaizen in Japan to exploring indigenous practices in Hawaii and embracing design thinking in California—inform his approach to educational innovation. Brendan has contributed significantly as a teacher, researcher, and curriculum developer at the University of Hawaii's Laboratory School, where he integrated advanced technologies with human-centered design to develop learner-centered curricula and teacher training programs. These initiatives, including the Janus Group, Moonshot Lab, ARES Learning, and Design Mindset, underscore his commitment to transforming education through the fusion of technology, design, and innovative pedagogy, with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the American education system.
Chris Bell is an accomplished educator and edtech innovator, having built a distinguished career spanning various roles in education. With extensive experience as a teacher, technology coordinator, school leader, district leader, and Chief Operating Officer, Chris has cultivated a deep understanding of the educational landscape and works with private and public organizations to design better products, solutions, and services for the classroom.
As the co-founder of two dynamic companies, including Design Mindset, Chris has played a pivotal role in transforming education by integrating innovative technology and pedagogical practices. He is passionate about the intersection of design thinking, student entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and innovation in schools, and is committed to making a lasting impact on the future of education.
Join us for "The Aloha Algorithm," a dynamic workshop where we'll envision AI's future as a catalyst for reconnection—to our land, our communities, and ourselves. Inspired by Hawaii's unity with nature and strong community bonds, we'll explore how AI can be ethically integrated into society with Hawaii as the model for the world. Engage in spirited discussions, imaginative exercises, and collaborative design sessions to shape a future where Hawaiian values and communal well-being elevates AI’s potential to help us be better people.
About Your Presenter(s):
Brendan Brennan, a distinguished entrepreneur, designer, educator, and curriculum developer with diverse roots in Boston, Honolulu, Osaka, and Irvine, CA, has founded numerous educational startups globally, aiming to enhance community life through innovation. His unique experiences—from learning kaizen in Japan to exploring indigenous practices in Hawaii and embracing design thinking in California—inform his approach to educational innovation. Brendan has contributed significantly as a teacher, researcher, and curriculum developer at the University of Hawaii's Laboratory School, where he integrated advanced technologies with human-centered design to develop learner-centered curricula and teacher training programs. These initiatives, including the Janus Group, Moonshot Lab, ARES Learning, and Design Mindset, underscore his commitment to transforming education through the fusion of technology, design, and innovative pedagogy, with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the American education system.
Chris Bell is an accomplished educator and edtech innovator, having built a distinguished career spanning various roles in education. With extensive experience as a teacher, technology coordinator, school leader, district leader, and Chief Operating Officer, Chris has cultivated a deep understanding of the educational landscape and works with private and public organizations to design better products, solutions, and services for the classroom.
As the co-founder of two dynamic companies, including Design Mindset, Chris has played a pivotal role in transforming education by integrating innovative technology and pedagogical practices. He is passionate about the intersection of design thinking, student entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and innovation in schools, and is committed to making a lasting impact on the future of education.
Generative AI: Issues and Challenges from a Legal Perspective [Joseph Farrar]
Description:
Few would doubt the practical uses of AI. However, when a profit motive is involved, the technology often advances much faster than the rules needed to use it safely, securely, and successfully. As a result serious reservations about the use of AI, as currently configured, particularly in education and the arts have arisen. The review of some legal and institutional responses to the rapidly expanding use of this technology by both governments and universities may help us to anticipate the future uses and challenges of AI.
About Your Presenter(s):
Joseph Farrar, J.D., Counsel to Isshiki & Partners' practice includes all facets of intellectual property with emphasis on patent preparation and prosecution in the electrical and mechanical arts as well as in imaging technologies, medical devices, and machine tools and parts. Fluent in Japanese, he has taught courses in patent translation since 2002.
Few would doubt the practical uses of AI. However, when a profit motive is involved, the technology often advances much faster than the rules needed to use it safely, securely, and successfully. As a result serious reservations about the use of AI, as currently configured, particularly in education and the arts have arisen. The review of some legal and institutional responses to the rapidly expanding use of this technology by both governments and universities may help us to anticipate the future uses and challenges of AI.
About Your Presenter(s):
Joseph Farrar, J.D., Counsel to Isshiki & Partners' practice includes all facets of intellectual property with emphasis on patent preparation and prosecution in the electrical and mechanical arts as well as in imaging technologies, medical devices, and machine tools and parts. Fluent in Japanese, he has taught courses in patent translation since 2002.
The New Craftsmen: VR and AI as Catalysts for Inclusive Skilled Education [Mike Christian]
Description:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of skilled trades education by integrating AI-driven personalized learning paths with immersive VR experiences. This can bridge any gaps between therapy, life skills development, and workforce readiness. As a result, individuals, including those who are neurodiverse and from marginalized communities, can gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This can produce a new generation of craftsmen skilled in construction, machinery, and concrete trades. Join us as we explore the synergy between AI, VR, and skilled education, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and skilled future.
About Your Presenter(s):
Mike Christian, Founder and CEO of From the Future, has extensive experience in programming, design, and production in the immersive technology sector which has laid the groundwork for innovative contributions to immersive training and education solutions. At From the Future, Mike has led projects merging curriculum with VR simulations, transforming educational methodologies, and leveraging VR for significant societal impacts, including enhancing therapy for autism.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of skilled trades education by integrating AI-driven personalized learning paths with immersive VR experiences. This can bridge any gaps between therapy, life skills development, and workforce readiness. As a result, individuals, including those who are neurodiverse and from marginalized communities, can gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This can produce a new generation of craftsmen skilled in construction, machinery, and concrete trades. Join us as we explore the synergy between AI, VR, and skilled education, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and skilled future.
About Your Presenter(s):
Mike Christian, Founder and CEO of From the Future, has extensive experience in programming, design, and production in the immersive technology sector which has laid the groundwork for innovative contributions to immersive training and education solutions. At From the Future, Mike has led projects merging curriculum with VR simulations, transforming educational methodologies, and leveraging VR for significant societal impacts, including enhancing therapy for autism.
Augmenting Learning with AI-Powered Virtual Agents in Immersive Learning Environments [Chih-Pu Dai]
Description:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), has offered educators and learners new opportunities to reshape education across diverse dimensions particularly within immersive learning environments; it fosters knowledge construction and skills development through the use of AI-powered virtual agents.
Three areas will be presented for discussion; research showing how AI can inform learning design; facilitation of teaching practices within virtual reality simulations for preservice teachers; and introduction to CodeMentor, an AI-powered virtual agent in introductory computer science education.
About Your Presenter(s):
Dr. Chih-Pu Dai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Design and Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research interests and areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, Extended Reality, Game-Based Learning and Simulation-Based Learning. http://www2.hawaii.edu/~cdai/
Artificial Intelligence (AI), has offered educators and learners new opportunities to reshape education across diverse dimensions particularly within immersive learning environments; it fosters knowledge construction and skills development through the use of AI-powered virtual agents.
Three areas will be presented for discussion; research showing how AI can inform learning design; facilitation of teaching practices within virtual reality simulations for preservice teachers; and introduction to CodeMentor, an AI-powered virtual agent in introductory computer science education.
About Your Presenter(s):
Dr. Chih-Pu Dai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning Design and Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research interests and areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, Extended Reality, Game-Based Learning and Simulation-Based Learning. http://www2.hawaii.edu/~cdai/
Introducing In-Service Teachers to Culturally Relevant Computer Science [Dan Hoffman]
Description:
One current challenge is how to introduce in-service educators with little to no background in Computer Science to professional development in the area of culturally relevant computing. Concrete examples and recent evaluation data will encourage audience members to contemplate the “how" and “why" of pursuing STEM and culture-based learning outcomes simultaneously.
About Your Presenter(s):
Dan Hoffman, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Learning Design & Technology (LTEC) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, is the principal investigator of the Advancing Culturally-Relevant Computing project and the president of the International Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. His research focuses broadly on the complex relationships between education and technology.
One current challenge is how to introduce in-service educators with little to no background in Computer Science to professional development in the area of culturally relevant computing. Concrete examples and recent evaluation data will encourage audience members to contemplate the “how" and “why" of pursuing STEM and culture-based learning outcomes simultaneously.
About Your Presenter(s):
Dan Hoffman, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Learning Design & Technology (LTEC) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, is the principal investigator of the Advancing Culturally-Relevant Computing project and the president of the International Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. His research focuses broadly on the complex relationships between education and technology.