Submitted photo Twenty-nine Youngstown State University faculty and staff members attended the New Explorations in Teaching (NEXT) Conference at the University of Akron, an event focused on innovation in teaching and learning.

Twenty-nine Youngstown State University faculty and staff members attended the New Explorations in Teaching (NEXT) Conference at the University of Akron, an event focused on innovation in teaching and learning.

The conference brought together educators from across the region to explore emerging approaches to instruction, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in higher education.

Participants attended sessions focused on integrating technology into pedagogy, improving student engagement and strengthening assessment practices.

YSU faculty members and staff also contributed to the program, presenting five sessions on topics ranging from ethical AI use in writing instruction to team management tools and authentic multimedia assessment.

YSU presenters included:

• Diana Awad Scrocco, professor of English and World Languages, who presented “Building a Framework of Ethical Generative-AI Use for Academic Writing: Using Student Survey Data to Develop Resources for Writing Instruction.” The session examined how student perceptions of AI can inform teaching practices and help discourage unethical AI use.

• Jay L. Gordon, associate professor of English and World Languages, who presented “It’s a Human Problem, Not a Technology Problem: Dealing with AI Use in Student Writing.” Gordon discussed strategies for addressing student use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly through direct instructor-student engagement.

• Siqing Wei, assistant professor in the Rayen School of Engineering, who presented “Using CATME to Better Manage and Assess Teams to Improve Experiences.” The session introduced a web-based team management platform designed to help instructors form and evaluate student teams more effectively.

• Rachel Faerber-Ovaska, instructional designer with YSU Online, who presented “Humanizing Online Learning: A Hands-On Approach to Authentic Multimedia Assessment.” The workshop focused on using multimedia tools to support authentic student learning and assessment in online environments.

• Courtney Poullas, instructor in English and World Languages, who presented “Redefining Authenticity in the Era of Large Language Models through Process-based Portfolio Assessment.” The presentation explored how portfolio assessment can help educators evaluate student work and guide ethical AI use.

YSU attendees represented a wide range of academic disciplines and campus units, including engineering, business, graphic design, mathematics, criminal justice, education and the Institute for Teaching and Learning.

The NEXT Conference provides an opportunity for educators to share research, explore innovative teaching practices and collaborate on strategies that enhance student learning.