Embracing Technology for Collaborative Learning and Adaptation

Peter Shea, Director of Professional Development, Middlesex Community College

Peter Shea, Director of Professional Development, Middlesex Community College

Could you provide a brief overview of your current roles and responsibilities?

I began my career in higher education as an instructor and later transitioned to instructional design. For the past 11 years, I have been directing a college's professional development program.

In my role, I focus on analyzing the specific needs of faculty and staff members, aiming to facilitate their continual professional advancement. By identifying relevant resources, I establish connections that foster their growth within the organization.

What are the industry’s current challenges?

In the realm of higher education, many challenges have converged, including the disruptive impact of COVID-19, declining enrollment, shifting student needs, and changing demographics. Managing these challenges effectively can contribute to reducing stress levels among individuals.

Additionally, professional development in higher education shares similarities with other industries, with a notable emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. There is also growing recognition of the value of data analytics in making informed decisions. In this, a recent challenge involves using AI to its fullest potential.

What is your strategy to address these challenges?

I proactively seek information from various resources, such as web articles, webinars, conferences, and tools like LinkedIn Learning, which serve as valuable professional development tools. This knowledge enables me to better assess and select high-quality resources before recommending them to faculty and staff.

We host annual professional development days where faculty and staff convene apart from conversing through mail. Additionally, I oversee multiple communities of practice, facilitating discussions among colleagues engaged in similar work at the college.

How does Middlesex Community College actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Middlesex Community College has been proactively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion for over a decade even before it gained national attention. We allocate micro-courses, professional day events, webinars, and conversation spaces to promote inclusivity and support educational outcomes. Our ethnically diverse community in the greater Boston area benefits from initiatives like racial healing circles, critical conversations, and student panels. Our strategic plan emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to our mission.

What are the tools or technologies that you leverage to ensure there is continuous collaboration and learning?

Our organization effectively utilizes collaboration tools, including Zoom, for seamless virtual meetings. We leverage LinkedIn Learning as a valuable resource for diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, with mandatory training for all new employees. This approach promotes effective communication, continuous learning, and a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How does your organization ensure a smooth transition and effective change management when introducing new platforms or tools?

We carefully assessed the time required for faculty and staff to adopt new technologies. For example, we have provided extensive training on high flex technology for over a year which enables synchronous face-to-face and virtual meetings. After acquiring the technology, we designed an in-house training program and conducted it in small cohorts.

“We allocate micro-courses, professional day events, webinars, and conversation spaces to promote inclusivity and support educational outcomes”

We have approached this process with great attention to detail, ensuring that we prioritize a thorough and ongoing training approach rather than rushing through it. Recognizing that learning is a continuous process, we allow individuals ample time to absorb the information. Moreover, we emphasize the availability of a robust support network to assist them in overcoming any challenges they may encounter during the learning process.

By providing comprehensive training and fostering a supportive environment, we facilitate the successful adoption of new technologies among our faculty and staff.

What is your outlook on the future of the industry?

In the higher education industry, change traditionally occurs at a slower pace. However, the anticipated impact of artificial intelligence is expected to bring significant disruptions. To effectively navigate this shift, colleges and universities must prioritize robust professional development initiatives. This includes encouraging employees to embrace AI technology, fostering constructive conversations about its implementation, and developing policies that promote its thoughtful and ethical use. It is crucial to involve students in these discussions as well, forging partnerships to determine the meaningful application of new technologies. Among the emerging trends, AI is anticipated to have a substantial influence on the future of higher education.

What is your advice to your peers in the industry?

To effectively address the impact of AI, it is crucial to prioritize early conversations with faculty and staff during the summer months. Delaying discussions until the fall may hinder the ability to adapt to the rapid disruptions caused by this technology. Stay proactive and avoid being caught off guard by engaging in timely and focused dialogue.