The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Dr. C. Edward Watson, author and Vice President for Digital Innovation at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), as the next speaker in its 2024-2025 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. During his talk, AI’s Implications for Higher Education: Now and in the Future, Dr. Watson will share insights and observations about generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) drawn from his new book Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024). The public is encouraged to attend this free event, which will also be offered virtually through Zoom.
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others are revolutionizing the way people learn, work, think, and create. Not only are these tools becoming increasingly present in classrooms, but there is also a growing demand for college graduates who possess AI competencies and literacies. During his talk, Dr. Watson will share impactful ways that educators can harness and manage AI as a powerful teaching tool. By learning how to integrate these tools and resources into the classroom, educators will learn to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by AI.
Dr. Watson will explore the evolving AI landscape and detail the companion challenges and opportunities that are emerging not only for higher education, but also for educators at every level. While academic integrity and AI detection will be discussed, the core focus of this keynote will be on concrete approaches and strategies educators can adopt, both within the classroom and across larger curricular structures, to best prepare students for the life that awaits them after graduation.
Dr. Watson will also deliver workshops for UMPI staff and faculty members during the day, exploring AI for teaching and learning.
In addition to his role at AAC&U, Dr. Watson is also the founding director of AAC&U’s Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. Prior to joining AAC&U, Dr. Watson was the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Georgia (UGA) where he led university efforts associated with faculty development, TA development, learning technologies, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. He continues to serve as a Fellow in the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at UGA and recently stepped down after more than a decade as the Executive Editor of the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Dr. Watson has been quoted in the New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Campus Technology, EdSurge, EdTech, Consumer Reports, UK Financial Times, and University Business Magazine and by the AP, CNN, and NPR regarding current teaching and learning issues and trends in higher education.
The University’s Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999. Each year, the LDLS Committee sponsors four to six speakers who come from Maine and beyond, representing a range of disciplines and viewpoints. While the emphasis tends to be on featuring visiting academics, it is not exclusively so. The speakers typically spend two days at the University meeting with classes and presenting a community lecture. UMPI welcomes the campus and community to hear Watson speak on Dec. 3. For more information, about his book, visit his Amazon book page. For more information about this event, contact Angelita Hernandez at 207-768- 9593 or email angelita.hernandez@maine.edu.