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.
Padlet is a versatile platform that mirrors the user-friendly experience of Flip. Students can easily record their role plays using any video software they’re comfortable with (like their phone cameras) and upload their videos to a Padlet board where they can also comment on each other’s work to encourage discussion.
Panopto is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something a bit more robust. It allows students to record their role plays, presentations, or other video assignments on their laptops, tablets, or smartphones. The recordings can then be uploaded to a designated Panopto folder for your course, where you can review them and provide feedback, and you can easily share them with the entire class by publishing the videos in your Panopto course folder. This allows the class to watch and learn from each other’s role plays or presentations, just as you did previously with the Flip camera recordings.
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.
Ask an ID: Faculty Upskilling for Academic Technology
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:
Sign up for Adobe Creative Cloud Express with your ACC credentials.
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.
Ask an ID: AI Implications in Healthcare and Education Symposium Highlights
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
Upskill for the Future: Both students and faculty need ongoing training in AI to stay current.
Question AI Outputs: Human oversight is necessary to verify AI’s suggestions.
Transparent AI Policies: Set clear boundaries for AI use in education and healthcare.
Local Implementation: Start with small AI integrations, then expand if successful.
Humanity at the Core: AI should enhance human skills, with critical thinking and empathy remaining essential.
The symposium was a reminder that while AI has incredible potential, our values and ethics should guide its growth. Let’s keep our human touch at the center as we explore all that AI has to offer.
Yours in Innovation, Stephanie Bogdanich, Instructional Designer
