Balancing Technology and Learning in Academia

Dr. Maia Smith, Associate Director of eLearning at South Louisiana Community College

Dr. Maia Smith, Associate Director of eLearning at South Louisiana Community College

Maia Smith is a higher education professional with direct experience in enrollment management, career services, academic advising, as well as online student support and teaching with technology. She has worked in higher ed for 13 years (in private and state non-profit institutions) and has professional experience in college admissions, financial aid, career services, academic advising, and distance education/eLearning. As the Associate Director of eLearning at SLCC, her role includes ensuring the college’s compliance with SACSCOC, Department of Education, NC-SARA, and WCAG (digital accessibility) in eLearning courses. Smith oversees the eLearning course creation/review process, faculty professional development and training, eLearning Committee, learning management system (Canvas), and instructional technology and design support. She also guides and supports institutional eLearning standards for faculty and assists with developing new eLearning initiatives in cooperation with academic and student affairs.

In an exclusive interview with Education Technology Insights, Maia Smith shares her valuable insights on the complexities of advancing technologies in the eLearning industry.

How have your versatile experiences helped you in your current role as Associate Director of eLearning at South Louisiana Community College (SLCC)?

Even though I did not begin my professional career as an educator, I have always been a student affairs professional at heart. My focus has always been on improving the student experience, whether assisting with admissions processes, navigating financial aid, or supporting students throughout their college journey. I strongly believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, not just for myself but also for my colleagues and students. This belief shapes my approach to integrating technology into education. It's always about putting people first, helping them align their goals, and ultimately fostering a supportive environment for success in both work and academia.

What challenges do you face when working with students and peers on student enrollment or engagement?

In my role at a midsize community college with multiple campuses, I have encountered challenges surrounding technology adoption and engagement among faculty and students. Even with the introduction of programs such as laptop loan programs and computer labs on our campus libraries, some students still struggle with a lack of digital literacy and fear of technology. This digital divide is particularly evident on satellite campuses, hindering access to education.

“My approach centers on collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that faculty and students have an active role in shaping decisions that directly affect their teaching and learning experiences.”

Even as accessibility improves, many students lack the competency to effectively utilize technology, often overlooking error signs or guidance within their courses. Additionally, there is a noticeable decrease in engagement among both faculty and students, which may be triggered by COVID-related burnout.

In my efforts to enhance the learning experience through technology, introducing faculty and students to new tools such as artificial intelligence for grading, I have encountered resistance and mixed emotions. Despite initial interest, some faculty members express unease or disinterest in adopting new technologies.

Addressing these barriers requires a deeper understanding of faculty and student perspectives, including their motivations and concerns. As I continue to navigate these challenges, my focus remains on promoting deep learning and critical thinking through technology despite the hurdles encountered along the way.

Have you taken any projects or initiatives to address this digital divide?

Throughout the pandemic, our college, like many others, secured numerous grants to address the challenges faced by students and faculty. One notable initiative is our laptop loan program, which provides essential technology access to students across all campuses, spanning eight parishes. This program offers affordable rental options, ensuring that students without access to technology can still participate in classes effectively.

Additionally, Louisiana's digital initiative has been instrumental in bringing low-cost, high-speed broadband access to Louisiana, further supporting our students and faculty. Through effective marketing and communication efforts, we ensure that students and faculty are informed about the support services offered, maximizing their utilization and impact. This proactive approach underscores our commitment to supporting student success and encouraging an inclusive learning environment.

In your opinion, what are the most promising upcoming developments and trends in the eLearning industry?

AI represents a new direction in education that demands careful consideration and cautious navigation. While its potential benefits are vast, the complexities and ethical implications cannot be ignored. I harbor mixed emotions about AI, much like any other technology. As industries struggle with incorporating AI responsibly, the education sector faces its own challenges. The use of technology can enhance learning experiences; however, it poses the possibility of misuse or ethical concerns. Proceeding with caution is crucial.

At our college, we have established a foundation for maintaining academic integrity, irrespective of AI usage, through strong academic integrity policies. Our administration allows individual faculty members to decide if and how AI will be integrated into their courses, with a requirement for transparency in course curriculums. However, this approach can be burdensome for students, especially when faced with varying approaches to AI usage among faculty.

Despite the uncertainties, I find some comfort in the collective conversations and shared experiences at conferences dedicated to AI in education. Knowing that others are dealing with the same issues creates a sense of solidarity and underscores the nationwide effort to balance innovation and academic discipline.

As we navigate this transformative era, I eagerly anticipate witnessing how colleges embrace and adapt to AI, ensuring that it enhances rather than diminishes the essence of higher education in our country.

What advice would you give your peers and budding entrepreneurs in eLearning?

A key piece of advice I would recommend to others is to prioritize listening to faculty and students. It is essential not to impose technologies they are not ready or willing to use. While I aim to enhance the learning experience through technology, I understand those faculties nationwide are still struggling with burnout. As tech professionals, we must respect their needs and preferences.

I actively engage with faculty, introducing them to technologies that could benefit their classrooms. However, the final decision rests with them. If a technology doesn't resonate with them, don't push it. Instead, continue exploring until we find a solution that aligns with their needs and preferences.

Moreover, while technology plays a significant role, it is not always the answer. Sometimes, we need to return to the basics and focus on understanding where learning truly occurs. It is crucial to consider various approaches to promoting education, whether tech-driven or not.

Additionally, I advocate for student involvement in decision-making processes. At my college, we ensure a space for student representation on committees, allowing their voices to be heard in discussions about technology adoption and its impact on their learning experiences.

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