In this edition of our Facilitator Spotlight Series, we chatted with Reed Hepler on summer professional learning. He also shares tips for those just starting out on their AI learning journey or setting strategies that scale. Reed facilitates one of the many AI-focused workshops in the Center for Professional Learning.
Q: Does the summer look different for you in how you stay engaged in professional development?
A: The summer is actually when I administer most of my own PD offerings for other professionals and academics! It offers a great opportunity to complete whatever professional development we personally prefer.
Q: Are there particular trending topics in the teaching and learning environment that our community members should be exploring this summer?
A: I would pay attention to the changes regarding copyright and AI (and not just because I wrote OLC courses on those topics!). Also, I would learn about project- and experience-based learning.
Q: Having developed and facilitated numerous AI-focused workshops, what is your key advice for leaders setting strategy in teaching and learning environments? How about digital learning professionals or faculty early in their journey in understanding and implementing generative AI?
A: Focus on the learning and/or project objectives. If we have objectives-focused learning and AI use, then we can make sure that our experiences are actually helping us learn and develop skills. If we don’t keep objectives in mind, we will ultimately just be wasting time. I recommend Jeanette Beatrix Law’s Rhetorical Prompt Framework.
About Reed
Reed Hepler is the Digital Initiatives Librarian, Copyright Agent, and Archivist for the College of Southern Idaho. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Utah State University and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Indiana University. He also has an M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology from Idaho State University and is enrolled in ISU’s PhD program in the same subject. He has used his experiences in instructional technology, digital curation, copyright, records management, public communication, and database research to develop best practices guidelines for Generative AI use. He also applies these guidelines in his separate consulting company, heplerconsulting.com.
In his corporate and educational work, Reed promotes ethical, equitable, and open technology and information access. He also advises on data privacy and confidentiality measures that should be at the forefront of generative AI interactions. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack (reedhepler.substack.com).
