Author: drcowinj

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, an Associate Professor at Touro University, received the 2024 Touro University CETL Faculty Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching and the Rockefeller Institute of Government awarded her the prestigious Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellowship (2024-2025). As a Fulbright Scholar and SIT Graduate, she was selected to be a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist. Her expertise in AI in education is underscored by her role as an AI trainer and former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University's Teachers College. As a columnist for Stankevicius, she explores Nicomachean Ethics at the intersection of AI and education. She has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, served as a resource specialist for Amity University in Uttar Pradesh, India, and participated in TESOL "Train the Trainer" programs in Yemen and Morocco. Her research interests include simulations and metaverse for educators-in-training, AI applications in education and language acquisition and teaching, and distributed ledger technologies, with a focus on her 'Education for 2060' theme. In conclusion, my commitment extends beyond transactional interactions, focusing instead on utilizing my skills and privileges to make a positive, enduring impact on the world.

Dr. Jasmin Cowin (lead author) Co-Publishes “Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training” at Springer Nature, Switzerland

I am delighted to announce the recent publication of our paper, titled “Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training.” This paper has been featured in the conference proceedings titled “Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education,” published by Springer Nature, Switzerland.

Our transdisciplinary collaborative effort grew from the International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL 2023), Madrid, and signifies a significant step forward in our journey to reshape educational paradigms through the integration of cutting-edge technologies (Cowin et al., 2024).

Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2024). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training [ICL]. In M. E. Auer, U. R. Cukierman, E. Vendrell Vidal, & E. Tovar Caro (Eds.), Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education (CLDM_Dv; Vol. 899, pp. 532–541). Springer Nature Switzerland; /Research/Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51979-6_55

Conference Presentation

Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2023, September 26). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training [Presentation] [Conference]. International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL 2023), Madrid, Spain. http://icl-conference.org/icl2023/

Paper Abstract
As the world undergoes remarkable transformations powered by Artificial Intelligence, the challenge arises for educational systems and institutions to adapt. How can we adequately equip educators-in-training to flourish in unprecedented change? The emergence of flexible, hybrid, and socially engaged learning environments has created a need for effective training methodologies that empower educators-in-training to thrive in this new paradigm. Higher education institutions need to expand aspiring educators’ human and professional potential amidst accelerating change, in line with the clarion call of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education “By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States” [1]. Simulation-based training coupled with Artificial Intelligence offers a solution to equip educators with the necessary skills and competencies to navigate complex real-world educational settings to succeed in classrooms of the 21st century. Simulation-based training allows educators-in-training to develop their skills and build confidence in their abilities to effectively engage with students in multifaceted classroom environments by providing a safe and controlled space for experimentation and practice. In conclusion, this paper and presentation explore the shifting teaching paradigms in higher education using simSchool and Mursion simulation platforms as examples and examine inclusive and dynamic practices that promote sustainable systems change in line with SDG 4. Quality Education, supporting educators-in-training by identifying strengths and encouraging personal and professional growth through AI feedback loops and faculty coaching.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Educators-in-training, Simulation-based training, Sustainable systems change

Acknowledgments
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues and peers and the supportive community that made this research possible. Our collaborative efforts reflect a unified vision for the future of education, one that embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

Disclosure statement
No conflict of interest pertains to the research presented above.

ORCID

Jasmin Cowin http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0405-8774

Birgit Oberer http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7231-7902

Alptekin Erkollar http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3670-5283

James Lipuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9778-3843

Cristo Leon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0930-0179

Touro Shines: Call for Proposals for the 1st AnnualTouro University Graduate School of Education Conference

2E+I+U=T
As a member of the conference committee Touro Shines, it is my pleasure to share our Call for Proposals for the 1st Annual Touro University Graduate School of Education Conference 2024.

Dr. Jasmin Cowin, Associate Professor, Touro University

When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 9-3

Where: Touro University Cross River Campus, 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036

Who: GSE faculty, candidates, alumni; Touro University faculty, candidates and alumni; school partners

Our theme this year is “GSE Shines! Excellence and Equity, combined with Innovation and implemented by You leads to Transformation.”
We, as educators, need to take a fresh look at how we diversify our teaching methods to suit the needs of various populations, as well as uplift the voices of those educators and scholars not often heard as leaders in their fields. This is an interactive learning conference for Touro University faculty, degree candidates, alumni, school partners, and community stakeholders. Interactive and poster sessions will explore transformative practices, technologies, and mindsets that make space for proactive agility in meeting the challenges of an ever-changing world. We envision a space for networking and the free and respectful exchange of ideas.


By creating a lived space where all voices are valued, the GSE Shines Conference embodies GSE’s mission to prepare a diverse cadre of highly qualified teachers, leaders, knowledge developers, and disseminators, in keeping with the Judaic commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity.
The Details:
Call for Proposals for the 1st Annual
Touro University Graduate School of
Education Conference
Submit by March 5th, 2024
Access the proposal form:

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Dr. Jasmin Cowin, Lead Author publishes “A Brave New World: AI as a Nascent Regime?” Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics

Cowin, J., (Touro GSE), Oberer, B., & Leon, C. (2023). A Brave New World: AI as a Nascent Regime? Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 21(4), 58-66.
https://doi.org/10.54808/JSCI.21.04.58

I ate civilization.

Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, 1932, p. 165

Introduction by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

In my role as the lead author of ” A Brave New World: AI as a Nascent Regime?” I explored the parallels between Aldous Huxley’s 1932 masterpiece, “Brave New World,” and the contemporary advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). I found myself deeply engaged with themes of predestination, emotional regulation, and societal control forecasting a dystopian AI-driven society. By using “Brave New World” as a metaphorical frame, I emphasize the importance of critically assessing the role of AI in shaping human society while providing a structured logical argument, the Logic Model for AI Governance and Ethical Oversight (AI-GEO model) about the evolving role of AI in governance and the corresponding need for ethical oversight.

My metaphorical approach provided a compelling backdrop for many transdisciplinary discussions with Prof. Birgit Oberer and Cristo Leon on the challenges and responsibilities associated with technological advancement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human autonomy and diversity in the face of rapid AI development. Huxley’s depiction of a future where human roles are predetermined and emotions are meticulously regulated mirrors the potential implications of AI in our era. As Huxley states, “We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage workers or future…” (Huxley, 1932, p. 11). This notion of a controlled destiny becomes increasingly pertinent as AI algorithms begin to dictate career paths, social interactions, and even ethical decisions.

The rise of AI-driven technologies such as deep learning and predictive analytics underscores the collective authors collective concern. For example, AI algorithms in recruitment software can predetermine an individual’s career trajectory, echoing Huxley’s categorization of individuals into Alphas or Epsilons. Similarly, AI in social media algorithms shapes our perceptions and interactions, subtly conditioning our responses in ways that Huxley might have anticipated. While AI offers opportunities for advancement, it also poses risks similar to those in Huxley’s world: the erosion of individuality and the emergence of a controlled society. Our challenge is to navigate such technological progression while adhering to ethical standards that safeguard individual autonomy and societal diversity, particularly from a systems perspective. We argue that the transformative potential of AI must be balanced with a conscientious approach to ethics and governance. AI’s ability to influence human behavior and societal norms raises significant questions about the preservation of human authenticity and diversity. It is crucial to critically evaluate the impact of AI on our social ethos, logos, and pathos and to ensure that its deployment enhances, rather than diminishes, the human experience. 

Facit: A Brave New World: AI as a Nascent Regime? serves as a reflection on humanity’s role in an age of automation and as a call to action for responsible AI use. It is an exploration of the balance between technological advancement and the preservation of the core values that define our humanity.

Transdisciplinary dialogues are essential in ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enriching human experiences without compromising the nuances that define our identity and autonomy.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the insightful support by the Guest Editors:
Nagib CALLAOS, Jeremy HORNE and Michael SAVOIE from WMSCI/IMCIC 2023

Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

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Improvisation on the Harp by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Boundless – απεριόριστος

In the hush of dawn, where day’s light unfurls,
I play my notes, thus rising free.
Each melody, like the universe, swirls,
Boundless as the sea, archē, in me.

The lark ascends, its song a timeless flight,
Echoing the vastness of the sky.
In our music, a dance of day and night,
A symphony where earth and heavens lie.

In every string’s vibration, I find,
A cosmos of feelings, vast and unconfined.
Infinite in scope, like the limitlessness mind,
In this harmony, life’s mysteries unwind.

Through the strings of my harp, in each refrain,
Resides the Boundless, where love and hope remain.

Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Grenzenlos – απεριόριστος

In der Stille der Morgendämmerung, wo sich das Licht des Tages entfaltet,
spiele ich meine Noten, die sich frei erheben.
Jede Melodie, wie das Universum, kreist,
grenzenlos wie das Meer, archē, in mir.

Die Lerche steigt auf, ihr Lied ist ein zeitloser Flug,
der die Weite des Himmels widerhallt.
In unserer Musik, ein Tanz von Tag und Nacht,
Eine Sinfonie, in der Erde und Himmel liegen.

In der Schwingung jeder Saite finde ich,
Ein Kosmos von Gefühlen, weit und unermesslich.
Unendlich im Umfang, wie die Grenzenlosigkeit des Geistes,
In dieser Harmonie entspannen sich die Geheimnisse des Lebens.

Durch die Saiten meiner Harfe, in jedem Refrain,
Wohnt das Ewige, wo Liebe und Hoffnung bleiben.

Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Touro TESOL Candidate Samantha Howe’s Instructional Materials Critique and Redesign For EDPN 673, Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program prepares candidates to be eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

Samantha Howe, a Touro TESOL candidate, is a 5th grade teacher from Long Island. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in inclusive childhood education, she was accepted into the TESOL program at Touro University. She is passionate about providing an inclusive and equitable education for all students.

The TESOL program at Touro  has provided me with valuable insights and necessary tools to better support my multilingual students. 

Samantha Howe, Touro TESOL candidate
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Touro University TESOL Candidate Jasmeet Kaur on Review & Assessment

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program prepares candidates to be eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

Jasmeet Kaur, Touro University TESOL candidate, a graduate of York College in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2022, is currently employed as a Substitute Teacher. Concurrently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in TESOL at Touro College. Her professional objective is to support bilingual and multilingual students, aiming to instill confidence in their abilities and guide them towards academic and personal success.

“In my journey towards becoming a TESOL professional, Touro College has not only deepened my understanding of teaching pedagogy but has also introduced me to the latest educational technologies, which I believe will significantly enhance my future effectiveness in the field.”

Jasmeet Kaur, Touro University TESOL candidate
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Dr. Cowin receives Online Teaching Certification from the Department of Online Education, Touro University

In the Department of Online Education, at Touro University, a group of skilled instructional designers and seasoned online educators collaborates with Touro faculty members to assist in the creation, modification, and updating of their online courses.

Online Teaching Certification
Description:
This faculty and staff development badge is awarded upon completion of the Module Making and Online Course Creation Workshops through Touro University (NY). The workshops represent 16 contact hours and 20 PDUs of content. Certification good for three years of end date of workshop series. This badge is internally accepted inside the TCUS system.

issued on: Jan 9, 2024 at 12:02 PM |Expires on Jan 9, 2027 at 12:02 PM

Teaching is an Act of Love, Dr. Jasmin Cowin’s Video Interview by Kevin Brown, City Tutors

“I believe that it is and was the power of having access to education that reframed my father’s narrative to a living testimonial on the opportunities and the transformative power of education.”

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

City Tutors. (2023, December 3). Teaching is an Act of Love, Dr. Jasmin Cowin [Video Interview by Kevin Brown]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg7gr_doE14

Touro TESOL Candidate, Nicolette Parisi’s Differentiated Lesson Plans

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork and supervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

Nicolette Parisi: ” I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in TESOL at Touro University. This academic journey has been immensely enriching, offering me valuable insights and methodologies essential for excelling in the field of TESOL education. My focus is on integrating innovative teaching strategies and linguistic theories to enhance my future role as a TESOL educator.”

“Great teachers are the ones who inspire you.” By Martin Landau
My Professors have been nothing short of remarkable and have been extremely helpful in assisting me on this outstanding learning journey! Touro is an incredible choice if you want to feel supported with your learning and grow as an educator!

Nicolette Parisi, Touro TESOL Candidate
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