Kristy Singletary
Title: The Classroom Experience: AI-ALOE in Practice
Abstract:
This session highlights how AI-ALOE tools like Jill Watson and SMART are transforming English instruction in Georgia’s technical colleges. Dr. Kristy Singletary shares classroom data showing how AI supports deeper conceptual connections, adaptive learning, and improved student writing while ensuring scalable, ethical, and secure integration of AI in education.
Bio:
Kristy Singletary brings more than 15 years of experience in Georgia’s technical college system. She currently serves as the Dean of General Education at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, where she oversees academic programs and supports faculty in advancing student learning and success. Previously, she served as an English instructor and Humanities and Fine Arts Program Chair at Southern Regional Technical College, where she worked to strengthen curriculum, foster faculty development, and expand student opportunities.
In 2024, Singletary was selected as an AI-ALOE Teaching Fellow, contributing to national conversations on the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in education. Her current research explores barriers to student success in higher education, with a particular focus on equitable access, instructional innovation, and the integration of AI to enhance learning outcomes in TCSG classrooms.
Sean Strickland
Title: Inside the Classroom: Harnessing Jill Watson for AI-Enhanced Teaching
Abstract:
This session explores has Jill Watson, Georgia Tech’s AI-powered virtual teaching assistant, is transforming student engagement and instructor efficiency across Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s cybersecurity classrooms. Sean Strickland will share how Jill is sandboxed and trained exclusively on course materials, ensuring accurate, relevant responses aligned with instructor expectations. Attendees will learn how Jill Watson integrates seamlessly with Blackboard Ultra to provide real-time classroom support, 24/7 assistance for online learners, and bridges the gap between lectures and labs. The talk highlights measurable benefits: reduced student hesitation, improved course flow, and greater independent learning.
Bio:
Sean Strickland is a cybersecurity educator and consultant who teaches computer science courses at Wiregrass, focusing on networking, cybersecurity, and programming. With more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and IT management, he advises organizations on strengthening IT security, implementing secure Active Directory infrastructures, and integrating compliance frameworks into operations.
Through AI-ALOE, Strickland contributes to projects that bring interactive cybersecurity and networking content to rural Georgia classrooms. His work includes mentoring students and faculty on AI advancements and promoting the ethical and secure use of AI in education.
