Teaching Portfolio and Philosophy – Dr. J's Education Blog

Celebrating My Completion of the April 2024 Singularity Executive Program

by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Keep tuned for more in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.

Last week, I embarked on a transformative five-day journey in Mountainview, Silicon Valley with the Singularity Executive program that reshaped my perspective on leadership in the age of exponential technology. Through an intensive and comprehensive curriculum led by expert faculty, I learned about, engaged with, and tried out exponential technologies and envisioned their profound implications for our collective future(s).

I am still working through my reservations on the quest for an artificial intelligence that one day will surpass the human mind which I will discuss in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.

Perhaps Frank Herbert’s words (Dune 1) frame my thoughts best: “Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.” My cautionary stance is rooted in the fear of losing control over such technologies and the unpredictable consequences such technologies will have on humanity. I believe that aspects of our human experience should remain unique and sacred.

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Engaging in hands-on workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and lively debates with my incredible cohort, we explored ethical considerations arising from technology’s exponential advancement. Together with our Singularity experts we discussed and debated what it means to be human, the value of human judgment, and the risks associated with blurring the line between human consciousness and artificial constructs.

Keep tuned for more in my upcoming column for Stankevicius.

Dr. Cowin presents “Structured Prompting for Teachers of English as a New Language/English as a Foreign Language” for Everyone Academy – Morocco, Moderator: Aziz Soubai March 11th, 2024

I am an Associate Professor at Touro University, a Fulbright Scholar, an SIT Graduate, a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist (2024) in Assessment and Artificial Intelligence, and a former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University, Teachers College. I regularly write on ‘Insights at the Intersection of AI and Education,’ for Stankevicius. At the heart of my professional journey is a commitment to transformative education, grounded in integrating concepts like Lynda Miller’s philosophy of abundance, which counters Ruby Payne’s notion of a Culture of Poverty (2005). This philosophy of abundance emphasizes viewing experiences as assets filled with positivity and optimism, particularly valuable in an often dystopian-seeming world. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, I have contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, TESOL “Train the Trainer” programs in Yemen and Morocco. As an educator in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, I prepare future teachers by incorporating innovations in education to shape worldviews and cultivate an adaptable skillset for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. My research explores simulations for educators-in-training, AI in education and assessment, educational Metaverse applications, and educational transformation for language educators.

“Rather than remain fixed in familiar practices, we will need to harness an agile, growth-oriented mindset. Now is the time for courage, vision, and perseverance.”
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

I am happy to share my virtual workshop session: “Structured Prompting for Teachers of English as a New Language/English as a Foreign Language” for Everyone Academy – Morocco, moderator: Aziz Soubai March 11th, 2024

The Zoomlink with passcode is nested in the PDF.

structured-prompts-for-enl_efl-teachers-morrocco-march11_2024-workshop1 Download

Join my webinar for Everyone Academy: Structured AI Prompting Strategies for Language Educators

At the heart of my professional journey is a commitment to transformative education, grounded in integrating concepts like Lynda Miller’s philosophy of abundance, which counters Ruby Payne’s notion of a Culture of Poverty (2005). This philosophy of abundance emphasizes viewing experiences as assets filled with positivity and optimism, particularly valuable in an often dystopian-seeming world. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, she has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, TESOL “Train the Trainer” programs in Yemen and Morocco. As an educator in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, I prepare future teachers by incorporating innovations in education to shape worldviews and cultivate an adaptable skillset for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Her research explores simulations for educators-in-training, AI in education and assessment, educational Metaverse applications, and educational transformation for language educators.

“Rather than remain fixed in familiar practices, we will need to harness an agile, growth-oriented mindset. Now is the time for courage, vision, and perseverance.”
Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Through my pro-bono work, I support SDG 4.c 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.

Mon, Mar 11 | Webinar Time & Location Mar 11, 2024, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM GMT (Casablanca, Morocco)

– click the link to register

Structured AI Prompting Strategies for Language Educators

https://www.everyoneacademy.org/event-details/structured-ai-prompting-strategies-for-language-educators

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin publishes Generative Künstliche Intelligenz in Bildung, Forschung und Industrie: Die Philebus-Triade? in HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, Springer

Generative Künstliche Intelligenz in Bildung, Forschung und Industrie: Die Philebus-Triade? Springer Link

Cowin, J.B. Generative Künstliche Intelligenz in Bildung, Forschung und Industrie: Die Philebus-Triade?. HMD (2024). https://doi.org/10.1365/s40702-024-01055-6

Zusammenfassung

Platos Dialog „Philebus“ erforscht ausführlich die Theorie der Formen und die Suche nach Wahrheit durch philosophische Diskussionen zwischen Sokrates und Philebus. Zentrale Prinzipien beinhalten das Erreichen eines Gleichgewichts zwischen Weisheit und Vergnügen, was Sokrates als Weg zum „guten Leben“ argumentiert. Dieses Papier stützt sich auf den philosophischen Rahmen der Philebus-Triade als Linse, durch die die Schnittstellen und Synergien zwischen den drei Bereichen Weisheit, Vergnügen und dem guten Leben betrachtet werden. Durch die Verwendung dieses philosophischen Modells, versucht die Autorin, die Komplexitäten und das Chaos einer beschleunigenden, unkontrollierten und unerforschten technologischen Evolution zu interpretieren und zu durchdringen. Ihre These argumentiert, dass die generative Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), betrachtet durch die Philebus-Triade – ein Konzept aus den platonischen Dialogen, das eine harmonische Verbindung zwischen verschiedenen Aspekten der Realität symbolisiert – einen zusammenhängenden Rahmen darstellt. Die Autorin stellt eine komplexe Verbindung zwischen den zentralen philosophischen Grundsätzen in den platonischen Dialogen und den möglichen Konsequenzen einer atavistischen generativen KI in den Bildungs-, Forschungs- und Industriesektoren her. Durch die Verknüpfung dieser Konzepte entsteht eine Reflexion über die Konvergenz von philosophischem Gedankengut und modernster Technologie. Die Synthese dieser Ideen unterstreicht die zeitlose Natur der philosophischen Untersuchung, um dringende Fragen unserer technologischen Ära zu beantworten.

Schlüsselwörter: Philebus-Triade · Platonischer Dialog · Atavistische Generative KI · Philosophisch-technologische Konvergenz

Abstract:

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, Research and Industry: the Philebus Triad? Abstract Plato’s dialog “Philebus” explores in detail the theory of forms and the search for truth through philosophical discussions between Socrates and Philebus. Central principles include achieving a balance between wisdom and pleasure, which Socrates argues is the path to the ‘good life’. This paper draws on the philosophical framework of the Philebus Triad as a lens through which the interfaces and synergies between the three areas of Wisdom, Pleasure, and the Good Life are viewed. By using this philosophical model, the author attempts to interpret and penetrate the complexities and chaos of an accelerating, uncontrolled and unexplored technological evolution. Her thesis argues that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), viewed through the Philebus triad—a concept from the Platonic dialogues that symbolizes a harmonious connection between different aspects of reality—represents a cohesive framework. The author establishes a complex link between the central philosophical principles in the Platonic dialogues and the potential consequences of atavistic generative AI in the education, research and industrial sectors. By linking these concepts, a reflection on the convergence of philosophical thought and cutting-edge technology emerges. The synthesis of these ideas underscores the timeless nature of philosophical inquiry to answer pressing questions of our technological era.

Keywords: Philebus Triad · Platonic Dialogue · Atavistic Generative AI · Philosophical-Technological Convergence

Neuralink as key to unlocking universal communication? By Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin for Stankevicius

I am pleased to share my newest publication:

Cowin, J. (Touro University) (2024, March 5). Neuralink as key to unlocking universal communication? Stankevicius. Retrieved from https://stankevicius.co/tech/neuralink-as-key-to-unlocking-universal-communication/

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

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

The CALL-IS Team & Proposal Invitation for the Electronic Village, TESOL 2024 in Tampa, FL March 21-23, 2024

As a member of the CALL-IS Team, I want to share our call for proposals and invite you to submit a proposal for the Electronic Village at TESOL 2024. The call for proposals will be open between October 15 and December 15, 2023. We look forward to a dynamic exchange of ideas and practical insights during the Digital Dive & Tinkering with Technology sessions at TESOL 2024. Submit your proposal here: https://call-is.org/ev/

TESOL International Convention & Expo: With thousands of attendees, hundreds of education sessions, and 50+ exhibits, the TESOL International Convention & Expo is the largest professional development event in English language teaching.

The convention offers a wide range of engaging professional development opportunities to English language teaching (ELT) professionals at all levels worldwide. In lively interactive sessions, you’ll develop a global perspective through the exchange of ideas, research, and practices. Gain knowledge about current trends in the field while expanding your professional network.

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with English language teaching-related companies and organizations at the English Language Expo! Learn about the latest products, publications, services, and resources in the field.

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin Presents: Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training for 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning

I am pleased that my presentation was received well at the International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning and 52nd IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy (ICL2023). This interdisciplinary conference aims to focus on the exchange of relevant trends and research results as well as the presentation of practical experiences in Interactive Collaborative Learning and Engineering Pedagogy.

Our paper’s Abstract: “Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training.”

Abstract
This paper conducts an interdisciplinary investigation into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of teacher education by integrating methodologies and frameworks from education, business admin-istration, and computer science. The rapid advancements in AI are ushering in a possible Cambrian explosion of systems transformation for educational and governmental institutions. Simulation mentoring and training are gaining traction for teacher education. The authors’ investigation into simulation-based training and AI coaching for high-leverage teacher training practices intertwines an interdisciplinary dialogue on modernizing 21st-century teacher training and the possibility of a Cambrian explosion in teacher education for higher education institutions. By examining asynchronous AI-driven simula-tion mentoring and teaching experiences and their impact on instructional teacher effectiveness, the authors frame, explore, and consider possible new resource allocations and economic implications for teacher training in higher education. Simulation tools promise to promote scalable approaches to fos-tering pedagogical expertise by incorporating research-based psychological, sensory, and cognitive domains inspired by Bloom’s educational objectives taxonomy. Using the examples of simSchool and Mursion, the authors co-construct meaning-making and hypothesize on forward-looking, scalable ed-ucator training approaches, the interplay between learning, knowledge acqui-sition, and embodied cognition, highlighting the importance of reflective practice in teacher education. AI-driven mentoring holds promise for scala-bility to achieve by 2030 the Sustainable Development Goal 4.c, aiming to “increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation”. In conclusion, this paper will explore using AI simulations as practice arenas to stimulate and shape the dialogue between stakeholders in higher education, focusing on integrating existing best practices that will eventually change teacher education locally and globally, accelerating a higher education Cambrian explosion.

Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2023). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training. (Virtual Presentation, Sept. 27, 2023). 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning and 52nd IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy (ICL2023)

A Curated Collection of Digital Resources for Language Research by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

This infographic strives to synthesize and clarify a collection of digital resources designed for linguistic research. It brings together a range of tools and language archives with a focus on enhancing productivity and insight into academic research on languages. By compiling these resources in one place, my goal is to make it easier for linguists, computational linguists, cognitive scientists, students, language teachers and researchers, and others exploring language to find and utilize the assets that will be most valuable for their work.

Overall, my infographic intends to showcase the digital resources that can empower investigations into linguistics and offer shortcuts for discovering and leveraging such freely available assets. By outlining some of the available tools and materials, I aim to promote more efficient, comprehensive, and insightful research practices among scholars studying language from various perspectives and with diverse objectives. Whether looking to find real-world examples of syntax patterns, or uncover endangered languages, this guide endeavors to point researchers towards the most relevant and useful digital assets for their work.

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