Academic Technology NEXUS
Explore how ACC’s Health Sciences Division is preparing students and faculty for an AI-driven future. In this white paper, Estrella Berrera outlines how this symposium united experts, educators, and students to examine AI trends, ethics, and hands-on applications in healthcare and education.
Dear Instructional Designer,
My students are working on Economic Research Projects. When they use the free Chat GPT, it is not enough, so they sometimes get kicked out before accomplishing their task. I want to avoid equity issues for the student who doesn’t own a subscription to OpenAI. So am looking for a free alternative to put all students on equal footing. Do ACC students have free access to Perplexity or another AI that is suitable for economic research?
-AI Instructor
Dear AI Instructor,
I got your request and I have some answers for you but the bigger answer is there is an GAI Strategic Planning Committee that is working on guidelines and investigating potential tools for ACC. As it is right now, ACC does not offer students any specific AI tools. However, there are quite a few free models that we have access to and combining them can get you pretty far.
First, you mentioned Perplexity and I have the free version of this tool. I use it extensively to find research materials and I haven’t hit the paywall yet. I would recommend to your students to use the Spaces feature to collect their research. Depending on what you are researching, users can also change the focus of the research to rely on academic sources, or social media sources, or the internet at large. These different focus areas change the results dramatically and can be very interesting.
Another tool that I recommend is Consensus which is an AI tool designed to search only academic papers. Like Perplexity, it footnotes every source it mentions with a link to the actual paper and it also creates academic citations.
Scispace has unlimited usage at the Basic level but it doesn’t do as thorough a job as the paid account. It’s similar to Consensus and only uses academic papers. The cool thing about this tool from a teaching POV is that it asks some clarifying questions to make sure it understands exactly what the user is looking for. It will then do a search and order its finding by relevance. Each paper will have an “Insights” column automatically added so I can see if the paper is applicable. I can make columns to quickly compare conclusions or methods of different papers to find exactly what I’m interested in.
You are definitely not alone in your concerns about student equity. I think these tools will all come at a price in the future and it could cause lots of harm to our students at that point. But right now, since all the tools are competing with each other and experimental, the free versions are really helpful and always provide more information than I can handle!
I hope this information addresses your question. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Yours in AI and insight,
Stephanie Bogdanich, Instructional Designer
Dear Instructional Designer,
I enjoy using Adobe tools in my classes but some of my students need more support with the software than I am able to provide. I know there are resources on the Adobe site but is there anything else available to students, like live training or one-on-one support, that I could offer to them? I really want my students to feel comfortable and confident in their learning and having a better grasp of the tools we are using would really help!
-Adobe Educator
Dear Adobe Educator,
I love that you are invested in your students’ success and making sure they have the technical knowledge they need! I reached out to Adobe on your behalf to determine what additional support might be available and here is what they shared:
Thank you for your message and for bringing awareness around these faculty inquiries. We recommend asking faculty or students to leverage the “Discover” section available in All Apps Pro, or checking out what’s available online, where they can search “How-to” videos, or find videos on the latest AI functionality for specific Adobe Apps.
Additional resources follow:
For Faculty:
We also offer Adobe Education Institute in-a-box among other great training resources and videos within our Creative Campus Marketing Portal’s “Training” tab (Login: Adobe / Password: Creativecampus).
Additionally, they’re always welcome to have an Admin Console Administrator for Austin CC log into the console to request an Expert Session covering a specific product and area of interest:
Request an Expert Session
To request an Expert Session, do the following:
In the Admin Console, navigate to Support > Support Summary.
Click Request Expert Session. The Request Expert Session window opens.
Alternatively, you can navigate to Support > Expert Sessions and click Request Expert Session.
Select a topic you would like to discuss.
Provide more details about your issue in the window that appears.
| Details to be filled | Description |
| Specify a product | Specify the product that you would you like to learn more about. This option is not available if you’ve requested an Expert Session for administrators. |
| Session topic | Choose a session topic from the drop-down list. |
| Describe the nature of your request | Describe the issue in some detail, including the workflow that caused the issue. |
| Propose session times | Enter three preferred time slots when you’re available for a call. Session times must follow the criteria here to be able to submit the request. |
| Time zone | The time zone is populated by default, according to your system’s information. |
| The email to which the session updates are sent is listed on the page. | |
| Phone number | Enter your preferred contact number, including country and area codes. |
Click Submit. An Expert Session is created, and a notification displays.
When you request an Expert Session, a case ID is assigned, and you can track its progress. All responses are updated to the case and are also sent by email.
Additionally, we’re holding monthly office hours sessions that may soon include informative sessions on specific Creative Cloud applications, in addition to other key topics of interest (they could join Open Office Hours or Teaching & Learning sessions):
Join us for 30 minutes each month to meet with people in similar roles at our partner institutions. Come with your questions! The first 10-15 minutes may include a brief presentation of a relevant hot topic.
All sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 10am PT / 11am MT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET at the address below:
They can create their own repeating Microsoft Teams meeting using this information (or defer to the instructions provide in our October Newsletter for more options):
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 219 043 930 232
Passcode: VgExAV
I hope that this helps and that you’ll reach out with additional questions or concerns as they arise.
Best regards,
NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SUCCESS TEAM – ADOBE EDUCATION ([email protected])
I hope this information is helpful in meeting the needs of your students and possibly also learning something new yourself!
-Instructional Designer
Faculty, please note that ACC Zoom licenses are only available for employees, and students do not have College-issued Zoom accounts. Student Technology Services has recently received an influx of support requests from students who are unable to join Zoom meetings scheduled by instructors and staff.
When creating a Zoom meeting that involves student attendance, be sure that the meeting does not require authentication. Zoom Meetings that require authentication will not be accessible to students. Additionally, if students attempt to sign into Zoom using an ACC email address, they will receive an error message.
If you have questions about scheduling Zoom meetings, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team by submitting a Mojo Ticket.
Dear Instructional Designer,
I would like to create some e-learning modules for my students. I’m interested in using any e-learning software that might be helpful.
Thanks for your guidance!
E-Learning Explorer
Dear E-Learning Explorer,
I’m thrilled to help you develop e-learning modules for your class and I’ve outlined the steps you can take to get started below:
These steps will set a solid foundation for creating effective and engaging e-learning experiences for your students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I have a wealth of materials on crafting course learning objectives that I’d be happy to share.
Cheers!
Stephanie Bogdanich, Instructional Designer
Dear Instructional Designer,
I just learned that Flip (previously Flipgrid) is transitioning to Microsoft Teams, which we don’t use at ACC. I rely on Flip all the time for recording student role plays, which we replay immediately for the whole class, as well as assignment submissions and reflections for fieldwork. This change feels like a huge loss! What should I consider using next, especially for role plays that need quick upload turnaround?
Thanks for your help!
-Video Virtuoso
Dear Video Virtuoso,
It’s wonderful to hear from you! I completely understand how frustrating it can be to lose a tool that has worked so well for your teaching style. But don’t worry—there are effective alternatives that can help maintain the interactive learning experiences you’ve built with Flip!
I recommend exploring Padlet and Panopto as replacements. Both tools are licensed through TLED, ensuring they will be available for the foreseeable future.
I recommend exploring our Remote Recess Archive which contains video sessions that cover these tools in depth. You can also check out our live sessions, which are held via Zoom on a regular basis and cover a wide variety of topics you might find helpful. In addition, we have a Teaching and Learning Knowledge Base filled with resources on how to use these technologies effectively.
If you want additional support, our Educational Technologists at the Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) are available to assist. And always feel free to request a consultation with one of our Instructional Designers—we’re here to help you adapt and thrive in your teaching!
Happy teaching!
Stephanie Bogdanich, Instructional Designer
Dear Instructional Designer,
I’d like help updating my technical skills so I can more effectively deliver my course material to students. I’m currently using very old technology and lack experience with current digital tools, particularly in video editing and image creation. It feels like I’m using a rotary land-line in a Siri world.
Please help!
-Tech Seeker
Dear Tech Seeker,
It’s great to hear from you! Don’t worry – you’re not alone in feeling like you’re living in a tech time warp. The good news is there are plenty of tools that can help bring you up to speed without feeling too overwhelming. I recommend starting with Adobe Creative Cloud Express. It’s a free, web-based tool and a fantastic substitute for old technology. Plus, it comes with cool AI features to create your own images from text and has simple video editing tools to get you started with video creation.
Here’s how you can dive in:
Speaking of Remote Recess, I also recommend joining our live sessions, which are held via Zoom on a regular basis and cover a wide variety of topics you might find helpful. You can check out our calendar for upcoming workshops here. In addition, we have an archive of past Remote Recess recordings to explore; I suggest checking out my session on High Impact Teaching Practices to learn more about what our department has to offer.
If you need more support, we have a Teaching and Learning Knowledge Base with guides on the various technologies available at ACC. It’s a handy resource for figuring out which tools might work best for you. I also encourage you to sign up for the TLED newsletter to stay in the loop on all the learning opportunities we offer, including Spring Development Day, Summer Software Day, campus open houses, fellowship programs for faculty, and micro-credentials which are another great way to build your tech skills!
Need some one-on-one assistance? No problem! Our Educational Technologists at the Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) are happy to provide support for any software we cover. You can also request a consultation with one of our Instructional Designers on using technology as it relates to syllabus creation, learning objectives, course design, and alignment. Both teams are available for in-person and Zoom consultations and we would love to partner with you in pursuit of student success!
Best,
Stephanie Bogdanich, Instructional Designer
Dear Instructional Designer,
I had the pleasure of helping coordinate the “Future Health: AI Implications in Healthcare and Education” symposium and I wanted to say that I really enjoyed your presentation—it was fascinating and I got some good insights into the tools currently available and how to use them more effectively. Would you be able to share your notes from the symposium including the information you shared during your
session? This would be helpful as we plan future initiatives. I appreciate the effort you put into your presentation and look forward to continuing to work with you.
-AI Innovator
Dear AI Innovator,
Thank you for your kind message! The “Future Health: AI Implications in Healthcare and Education” symposium put on by TLED and ACC Health Sciences was packed with insights about AI’s transformative impact on healthcare and education. The discussions ranged from AI’s potential and ethics to its practical uses today. Here’s a recap of the highlights!
Babak Hodjat Keynote: “AI—Alchemy or Moonshot?”
Babak Hodjat, the CTO of AI at Cognizant, opened the event with a deep dive into AI’s evolution. While we haven’t reached Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) yet, Babak outlined what AGI could look like in the future:
● Predictive Abilities: AGI will identify and adapt to shifting patterns in data.
● Prescriptive Power: AI could eventually advise us on optimal actions based on analysis.
● Contemplative Scenarios: Like humans, AGI will learn through trial and error to find the best outcomes.
● Creative and Adaptive: Future AI will evolve like humans do, building on existing ideas, learning what works, and adapting through creative problem-solving.
Panel 1: AI in Education and Workforce Preparation
This panel discussed how AI is changing both education and healthcare workforce training, with panelists from
Austin Community College (ACC) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:
● Susan Warner-Sanchez, Ph.D. (ACC), led the panel, highlighting the importance of AI proficiency for both faculty and students.
● Jaime Cantú (ACC) shared his use of student-created assessment videos as a way to engage students with AI-supported learning.
● Stephanie Long, M.S. (ACC Faculty Center) emphasized how existing educational structures can integrate AI without a total overhaul.
● Michelle Singh, Ph.D. (Texas Higher Ed) discussed AI policies and the need for transparency,
especially for students’ understanding of AI use boundaries.
● Misty Rasmussen, Ph.D. (ACC Planning) and Kate Williams, DNP (Baylor Scott & White) both spoke
about preparing students for a changing job market, focusing on adaptability, critical thinking, and
compassion.
Key Takeaways:
● AI proficiency for students and faculty is essential in both healthcare and education.
● Institutions should create clear guidelines on acceptable AI use to avoid confusion.
● Human-centered skills, especially critical thinking and adaptability, are irreplaceable.
Fireside Chat with Dr. Craig Watkins: Addressing Bias in AI
Dr. Craig Watkins discussed the potential pitfalls of AI bias and the importance of diverse perspectives:
● Bias in AI Models: Dr. Watkins highlighted real-world cases where AI models inadvertently reinforced racial or income biases, despite efforts to “scrub” demographic data.
● Diverse AI Development: Ensuring AI is developed with diverse input can help mitigate biases and ensure fairer applications.
Main Message: Diverse voices in AI development are critical to avoid unintended bias and build fairer AI systems.
Panel 2: AI Trends in Healthcare
Moderated by Beth Vaughn of HCA Healthcare, this panel focused on current AI applications in healthcare and its potential to transform patient care and administration. The panelists included leaders from healthcare and tech:
● Sajol Ghoshal (Advanced TeleSensors) shared insights on using AI-driven sensors to monitor patient health, like detecting heart and respiratory rates.
● Madan Gopal, Ph.D. (Texas Health and Human Services) spoke about AI’s use in knowledge management for healthcare.
● Abel Guevara III, DHA discussed optimizing healthcare revenue cycles with AI, while Andy Mathis (Neuro Rehab VR) highlighted VR as a tool for interim patient care.
● Toni Swinton, DNP (HCA Healthcare) shared how the Jane Assessment tool in their LMS uses AI to speed up onboarding and competency assessments for healthcare staff.
Highlights:
● AI is enabling real-time patient monitoring and reducing administrative workloads in healthcare.
● AI tools like VR and the Jane Assessment support workforce training and rehabilitation.
● Transparency is essential—“black box” algorithms without explanation are risky in patient care.
Panel 3: AI for Social Good
Moderated by Nina Almasy from ACC Health Sciences, this panel explored the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI, with a focus on creating positive outcomes. Panelists brought expertise from public policy, academia, and student perspectives:
● Maaz Amjad, Ph.D. (Texas Tech) and Sherri Greenberg (UT Austin) discussed AI’s potential to address social issues, but cautioned against over-reliance and encouraged responsible, ethical use.
● Aleena Tomy, a student from Texas State, emphasized the need for young people to be equipped with AI literacy to navigate future careers.
Main Insights:
● Establishing certification or audits for AI tools could help ensure they meet ethical standards.
● AI should be used as an aid, not a replacement; human oversight is crucial.
● Responsible use of AI for social good requires ethical standards and transparency.
AI Tools Shared by Stephanie Bogdanich
Stephanie Bogdanich introduced various AI tools aimed at enhancing both healthcare and educational applications. For easy access to these tools and additional resources from the symposium, they’ve been
shared on a Padlet board, which you can view here.
Key Takeaways from the Symposium