NEXT - New Explorations in Teaching Conference 2024

Welcome to the 8th annual NEXT (New Explorations in Teaching) conference, where faculty come together to explore cutting-edge topics, such as AI, life-long learning, and community engagement, and the ways they are shaping the future of education. This year, we invite you to join us for a dynamic exploration of " Bridging Pedagogy and Innovation: AI and Beyond."

Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations focused on supporting student learning, exploring the ways teaching and learning is changing, discover insights into how educators can help students flourish through student engagement, navigating the new ethical considerations inherent in AI adoption, and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving educational landscape where AI and technological changes are omnipresent.

As we focus on new explorations in teaching, we will also discuss creating inclusive and diverse learning environments, fostering deep and lifelong learning, nurturing a sense of belonging and engagement, NEXT is more than a conference—it's a movement towards a brighter, more inclusive future in education.

Join us for the NEXT Conference on November 1, 2024 as we explore the intersection of pedagogy and innovation in "The AI Classroom," and discover how embracing AI can empower educators to create dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environments.

First and foremost, NEXT is designed to share ideas amongst the faculty who are in the classrooms, engaging our learners. This is an opportunity to learn about the strategies we use to promote active learning and overcome challenges that every educator encounters. This is a conference where we share both scholarship and practical applications of new technologies.

What are some of the statewide initiatives that are now being discussed at individual institutions? Whether it is the impact of AI on education policy, the cost of education and how it pertains to open educational resources, the implementation of competency-based education, or the need to promote Universal Design for Learners, being part of these conversations at NEXT will help inform the conversation on your campus.

What are the best ways to engage your faculty with professional development? What technologies do you recommend to faculty or promote for your learners? This conference will include numerous sessions that will provide resources for support staff to bring back to their institutions.

Leaders in organizations that collaborate with faculty and/or staff in higher education are invited to submit a proposal and attend the conference to provide practical experience from the fields.

Each year, we create opportunities for graduate students to join the conversation by attending and presenting their research. The student voice is essential, so we invite students to contribute their thoughts to these important topics.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Inquiry-based learning
• Problem-based learning
• Learner equity
• Community-based learning
• Experiential learning
• Small teaching practices
• Teaching in multiple modalities
• Evidence-based teaching strategies
• Collaborative learning
• Motivating and engaging students
• Assessment strategies
• Methods for increasing student retention
• Resilience in teaching and learning

We look forward to having you join us!

Host or Publisher The University of Akron