Mark is currently a Director at Ithaka S+R, where he leads multiple strategic portfolios that address critical challenges in higher education and cultural heritage. His work spans several key program areas, including research into collections and infrastructure dynamics within libraries and cultural organizations, initiatives addressing basic student needs in higher education, and investigations into organizational structures and open education frameworks.

As a thought leader in higher education, Mark brings a proven track record of implementing transformative changes within complex organizations. In his role at Ithaka S+R, he leads a dynamic team of researchers and analysts who investigate how institutions can optimize their organizational strategies and service delivery models. His collaborative approach helps educational and cultural institutions develop innovative solutions that enhance their impact and long-term objectives.

Mark works closely with leaders and organizations, helping them to maximize their full potential. In a world of constant disruption, he believes organizations that flourish are the organizations that learn to find their true north by helping to steer organizations safely through change.Mark, currently a Director at Ithaka S+R, leads a dynamic team of researchers and analysts who investigate how institutions can optimize their organizational strategies and service delivery models. He leads multiple strategic portfolios that address critical challenges in higher education and cultural heritage. His work spans several key program areas, including research into collections and infrastructure dynamics within libraries and cultural organizations, initiatives addressing basic student needs in higher education, and investigations into organizational structures and open education frameworks.

As a thought leader in higher education, with a proven track record of implementing transformative changes within complex organizations, Mark works closely with leaders and organizations, helping them to maximize their full potential and steer safely through change in a world of constant disruption. He believes that organizations that flourish are the organizations that learn to find their true north.

Abstract

Open Codes, Open Minds: Navigating AI and Open Education in College Instruction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing higher education, requiring educators to adapt and reimagine teaching, learning, connection, and access. This presentation explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents for pedagogy and open education.

AI offers potential benefits such as personalized learning and streamlined grading, and could democratize education through open educational resources (OER). However, we must consider if AI can truly replicate transformative learning experiences or model the moral courage required for intellectual growth or is it a new obstruction in the learning process. Will AI enhance or diminish human connection in the classroom and beyond?

We will examine how AI can support instructors in focusing on core teaching elements—the dynamic exchange of ideas and nurturing curiosity—while considering the risks of overreliance on technology and the importance of equitable access. Can algorithms teach empathy? Should they curate OER? As AI evolves into a collaborator, how can instructors embrace its potential without losing the essence of education or reinforcing existing inequalities?

Through practical insights and thought-provoking questions, we'll discuss how instructors can leverage AI and OER to cultivate a more open and inclusive educational environment. While AI can enhance efficiency, it's the human spirit and the principles of open access that truly animate learning. The fundamental question isn't whether AI belongs in education—it's how we'll use it to cultivate better humans and a more equitable, open system of knowledge sharing.