We all are aware of the impact that technology has made in our learning spaces in recent years with MOOCs like Coursera and Udemy making education more adaptive, accessible, and affordable. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Landscape, we are looking at an age of personalized automation promoting productive learning behaviors.
Think of Intelligent One-on-One Tutoring Systems like Carnegie Learning or Third Space Learning which, using AI technology, customize learning based on the unique needs of an individual rather than following a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Imagine these Intelligent Tutoring Systems becoming commonplace.
Think of Georgia Tech professor Ashok Goel’s AI teaching assistant Jill Watson. A chatbot that he had created to reduce the workload of his other teaching assistants and his students couldn’t distinguish from the human TAs until the end of the semester. What if these intelligent teaching assistants became just another technology that almost all of us had access to, like the internet and computers. The learners will have access to help whenever they require it without the teachers having to work extra hours.
Think of an educational landscape where AI learning companions are as common as smartphones. AI learning companions which are more advanced versions of Tega (MIT’s social robot), designed to accompany a student through his entire academic life cycle, learning what he learns, supporting him when he lags behind, helping him whenever he requires it, keeping a check on his food habits, encouraging him to exercise.
While learning companions are yet to become a reality, AI as a technology in our educational organizations is gaining traction at an unprecedented pace. AI and EdTech might not resolve all our systemic challenges but they are certain to help us bridge some glaring gaps in our teaching, learning, and support methods.
Anthony Banford is an esteemed executive with 19 years of experience in technology, consulting, and education. He begins his latest chapter as Chief Revenue Officer at BlackBeltHelp, aiming to innovate in the higher education support industry. His move follows a successful stint as Head of Revenue at StudentBridge since March 2023, where he significantly contributed to the company’s merger with Full Measure Education, enhancing its service offerings.
Todd Hollrah joins BlackBeltHelp bringing 25+ years of experience managing service delivery operations for several Fortune 500 clients around the globe. After a distinguished career as an executive in the BPO industry, Todd will provide critical insight into building an exceptional customer experience combining both live voice and automated solutions.
Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, Chris Uthe has submerged himself in business and technology for the last 20 years. His first company, a PC repair and networking business, was started at just 16 and successfully fueled a deep interest in solving problems as he helped business customers throughout his hometown adopt technology into their business. He would go on to successfully run a media & managed IT company before joining the Ed Tech industry with a successful 13-year tenure within an ERP/SIS company leading the Student Portal & Learning Management division. His last startup, EdSolio, helped to fuel the winds of competency-based education by providing a comprehensive view of a student’s work and achievements. Chris is now focused on creating successful learners by ensuring the highest quality help and support through the use of AI backed toolsets spending the last 3 years in the student engagement and support markets.
Quaiser Absar is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Institutional Computing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Bringing in over 2 decades of experience with him, Manish has ensured seamless operations in terms of client delivery, reporting & analytics, quality, training, and transitions with a special focus on technical integrations to help reduce costs and improve the bottom-line.
Anthony has served higher education in diverse, leadership roles for over 30 years and has helped organizations thrive through his expertise in developing, analyzing, and executing growth strategies. Prior to joining BlackBeltHelp, he served in College Administration as well as in leadership roles within Blackboard Student Services and Ellucian, Inc.
Accomplished IT Specialist and Manager with extensive experience in a higher education setting and demonstrated abilities to effectively manage both student and professional staff. Self-motivated problem solver, who is skilled in managing many issues and prioritizing their importance to find resolutions in a timely and effective manner. Possesses strong abilities to adapt to new technologies by extrapolating from existing experience. Possess first-rate communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse groups effectively.
Lila Buytendorp has been serving as the Director of User Services at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) since 2000. In this role she is responsible for staff & lab desktop computing and end user support. She guides and supports technology based on the curriculum needs and ensures technology is implemented to support the emerging needs of the college. She builds and supports integrated systems to improve efficiencies and uses technologies to support data-driven decision making. Lila is a member of the Capital Projects Planning and Design Committee to ensure new or remodeled facilities have appropriate technology.