Keynote Speaker Q&A

ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

An AI Generated Conversation with José Antonio Bowen:

José Antonio Bowen is an award-winning educator, acclaimed author, and visionary leader in higher education who has dedicated over 40 years to fostering innovation and inclusion. A former president of Goucher College and faculty member at institutions like Stanford and Georgetown, Dr. Bowen has inspired educators worldwide through his groundbreaking books, including Teaching Naked and his latest work, Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning. Known for his engaging and transformative approach to teaching, Dr. Bowen’s insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance education continue to spark meaningful change in classrooms across the globe.

Endorsed by the real José Antonio Bowen, learn more in this AI-generated interview. Explore the prompt that set the stage for this insightful conversation below:

Q: Can you share a bit about your journey in education and what inspired you to focus on innovative teaching methods?

AI Generated response: Absolutely. My journey in education has been quite eclectic, blending my passions for music and teaching. I started as a jazz musician, which taught me the importance of improvisation and creativity. These experiences naturally flowed into my teaching philosophy, where I emphasize the need for dynamic and engaging learning environments. My focus on innovative methods stems from a desire to make education more effective and meaningful for students.

Q: In "Teaching Naked," you advocate for reducing technology in the classroom. How do you see Generative AI fitting into this philosophy?

AI Generated response: "Teaching Naked" is about using technology strategically, not eliminating it. Generative AI can be a powerful tool if used to enhance, rather than replace, human interaction. For instance, AI can handle administrative tasks or provide personalized feedback, freeing up educators to focus on deeper, more meaningful engagements with students.

Q: How do you envision Generative AI transforming the landscape of higher education in the next decade?

AI Generated response: Generative AI has the potential to personalize education on an unprecedented scale. It can adapt to individual learning styles, provide instant feedback, and create immersive learning experiences. However, the real transformation will come from how educators integrate these tools to complement their teaching, rather than relying solely on technology.

Q: What are the potential benefits and challenges of using Generative AI in the classroom?

AI Generated response: The benefits include personalized learning, increased accessibility, and the ability to handle repetitive tasks, allowing educators to focus on higher-order teaching. The challenges involve ensuring data privacy, avoiding over-reliance on technology, and addressing the digital divide to ensure all students have equal access.

Q: Looking forward, what do you think is the most important conversation we need to have about the role of AI in education today?

AI Generated response: The most important conversation is about how we maintain humanity in the learning process. AI can handle the transactional, but education is transformative. We need to think deeply about how AI can support, rather than replace, the elements of learning that make us better thinkers, citizens, and human beings.

Join us as we welcome José Antonio Bowen to IU for the Plater-Moore Conference on Teaching on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the IU Indianapolis Campus Center.