The district’s four colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and the College of Continuing Education will participate in the new fully online institute designed to help colleges and universities respond effectively to the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses and curricula.
According to the AAC&U, evoking AI into the classroom can create challenges regarding academic integrity and student learning. The AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum will directly address an array of related concerns associated with AI in higher education, including questions about policies, ethics, and the future of learning. The teachings of the AAC&U institute are an added benefit for the SDCCD who holds collaboration, equity, inclusion, and technological innovation at its center.
“We are excited about the opportunities that the AAC&U institute will bring and are eager to share our progress with our colleagues across the district and the broader San Diego community,” said Michelle Fischthal, SDCCD Vice Chancellor, Institutional Innovation and Effectiveness. “Through this initiative, SDCCD has the opportunity to shape how AI is understood and applied within diverse learning communities, ultimately bridging the gap between technology and education to empower all students to thrive in an increasingly AI-integrated world.”
While the SDCCD already leads with a proactive stance in discussing AI, offering support, and focusing on preparing faculty and students for the future of work, between now and April 11, 2025, the district will take part in the AAC&U institute’s virtual events, mentorship, and interactions to develop and implement AI action plans for its pedagogy and curriculum. Mohammed Ali Ani (City College), Alison Gurganus (Mesa College and II&E faculty specialist), Denise Maduli-Williams (Miramar College), Mary Burns (College of Continuing Education), and Elaine Chance (District Office) will represent SDCCD throughout the duration of the institute, with Vice Chancellor Michelle Fischthal and Rodrigo Gomez (Miramar College and II&E faculty specialist) serving as co-leads.
“These faculty members have been deeply involved in AI-related activities within the district and are well-equipped to champion this effort,” said Fischthal, who is leading the SDCCD’s broader strategic goals for AI integration. “As participants in the institute, SDCCD will benefit from the insights and resources shared by colleagues from other institutions. However, since SDCCD is further along the planning and development of AI integration, we will not only contribute by sharing our own strategies and experiences but also work to solidify a support model that can help secure future funding.”
Fischthal continued, “We are most hopeful to gain exposure to new ideas and strategies that can further enhance our AI integration efforts to be scaled across disciplines. We look forward to working with our coach to refine our AI action plans and to engage in professional development.”
A November 2023 Amazon Web Services (AWS) study on AI skills in the United States found that 90% of employers expect to implement AI-related solutions, with both employers and employees anticipating significant benefits. The study also revealed that employees who acquire AI expertise could see salary increases of 35% or more.
For a full list of participating colleges and universities visit aacu.org.