In an effort to equip educators and staff with the knowledge and tools to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their work, Dr. Lane Freeman from the NC Community College System Office will be leading half-day professional development workshops at McDowell Technical Community College on Thursday and Friday, February 6-7. The workshops will combine presentations with practical applications of AI said Dr. J.W. Kelley, McDowell Tech President.
“It is imperative that we embrace the inevitability of AI in both our work and personal lives,” said Kelley, who also serves on the Student Success Commission of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), which discussed a variety of approaches to understanding and integrating artificial intelligence in collegiate education during the group’s fall meeting. “To successfully maximize AI, we must begin this work together.”
Attendees at this week’s workshops will explore a variety of issues surrounding the emerging technology and develop a deeper understanding of how AI can be leveraged in education, including:
- The AI competencies students need to succeed in the workforce and strategies for integrating them in college curricula.
- AI tools that can enhance teaching and learning.
- Opportunities for AI to expand staff capacity and efficiency.
As AI continues to shape industries worldwide, educational institutions must proactively prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.
Preparing for the Future of Work
According to a recent article by EdNC, the importance of AI in education was a central theme at the 2024 NC Chamber Education and Workforce Conference, where industry experts emphasized the need to adapt curricula to meet workforce demands. Dr. Bill Daggett, founder of the International Center of Leadership in Education, highlighted the evolution of students, technology, and the job market over the last 50 years, underscoring the necessity for institutions to modernize their approach.
Dr. Freeman’s upcoming workshops align with this growing national conversation. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into both work and daily life, educational professionals must be proactive in understanding its implications and applications.
Call to Action
Faculty and staff at McDowell Tech have been strongly encouraged to participate in these sessions to help shape the future of AI integration in education.
“Embracing AI is not optional—it is essential,” says Dr. Freeman. “By working together, we can ensure that our students, faculty, and staff are well-prepared for the evolving landscape of AI.”
“McDowell Tech will continue to be a leader in workforce education in Western North Carolina, regardless of whether our graduates need training in use of physical, tangible tools to be successful in the workplace or application skills to manipulate and maximize artificial intelligence assets to the advantage of their employer, ” said Dr. Kelley, the MTCC President. “We can either be ahead of the curve or behind it. We choose to be ahead of it!”
