AI in EdTech: Community, Reflection, and Co-Learning with Dr. Allison Lester

05/19/25 • 32 min

In Episode 11 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Allison Lester from Arizona State University to explore how AI and action research can spark real-world impact. As an AI educator and action researcher, Dr. Lester shares how she weaves community-based projects into media literacy courses, secures grant funding, and champions collaborative structures in classrooms—drawing on her roots as a special education teacher. Tune in to discover how AI tools can bridge education and community, fuel meaningful learning experiences, and empower learners beyond the campus walls.

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From Stacks to Chatbots: Lara Taylor on Bringing AI to Libraries & Beyond Smarter Campus Podcast Episode 10

In this episode of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Lara Taylor, Purdue Polytechnic doctoral candidate and instructional technologist at Mississippi State, to trace her journey from library stacks to AI frontlines. Lara shares how her master’s research on machine-learning chatbots and search algorithms in SEC libraries ignited her passion for generative AI—long before ChatGPT put it on everyone’s radar.

They dig into the early wins and growing pains of launching an “Emerging Technologies Committee” (think VR, AR, and AI), building a tech‐literacy framework, and shifting a traditionally slow‐moving library world into high gear. Laura’s top advice? Don’t fear the future—“jump in and join the party.” Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or simply AI‐curious, you’ll come away with concrete strategies for overcoming resistance, empowering students, and unleashing creativity far beyond the classroom. Tune in to see how AI can transform your campus—one chatbot at a time.

Next Episode

Assessment 2.0: Ruth Slotnick on AI & the Future of Higher Ed

Join host Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Ruth Slotnick, Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University and a national thought leader in accreditation and assessment strategy. They explore:

Ruth’s journey from personal tech solutions for her learning difference to leading campus-wide assessment initiatives
The influx of new assessment practitioners from diverse fields, and what it means for higher ed
The moment AI became impossible to ignore—and how influencers like Donald Clark and Ethan Mollick shaped Ruth’s perspective
Strategies for embracing AI in assessment without fear, transforming accreditation and learning experiences
Why presence and engagement are crucial to navigating AI’s rapid evolution

Discover how AI can revolutionize assessment practices and empower educators to create data-driven, future-ready learning environments.