QR CODE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES WEEK 16TH ANNUAL FEBRUARY MONDAY 9 – FRIDAY 13, 2026 REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu BRIDGING MINDS AND MACHINES Scan to register
Dr. Kele Anyanwu, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Programs AI That Acts, Not Just Answers: Introducing Agentic Systems for Educators 1:15 – 2:15 P.M. (CST) CWT 112 Description: Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving in higher education, moving beyond reactive tools like ChatGPT toward more advanced agentic systems that can interpret context, set goals, and take action. This session demystifies key AI concepts such as generative AI, AI agents, agentic AI, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), workflows, and automation, and explains their relevance to teaching and learning. Participants will explore how simple agentic systems can be designed using no code tools that prioritize pedagogy over technical complexity. Faculty will leave with a clearer understanding of agentic AI, its ethical use, and how to thoughtfully integrate these tools into course design, whether they are AI skeptics or enthusiasts. Dr. Lina De La Garza, Assistant Professor of Educational Administration A Guaranteed Powerful Transformation: Using GPTs to Enhance Professional Success 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (CST) STC 230 Description: This session explores the value of AI literacy and how using GPT-based tools as thought partners and collaborators can support professional growth and success. Participants will examine practical ways artificial intelligence can assist with idea development, problem-solving, and meeting professional goals across a variety of contexts. Emphasis is placed on building comfort and confidence with AI tools while using them responsibly and effectively. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how GPTs can enhance productivity, support decision-making, and contribute to meaningful professional transformation. Daniel González, Lecturer, Division of International Business & Technology Studies AI That Works In Your Classroom: Practical Tools for Better Teaching and Learning 3:30– 4:30 P.M. (CST) STC 230 Description: This session offers faculty and staff a clear, practical look at how AI can support teaching without adding stress or complexity. Participants will explore two tools that can be used immediately. Blackboard’s AI discussion post feature helps instructors create stronger prompts, encourage deeper student thinking, and manage discussions with less preparation time. NotebookLM allows instructors to turn course materials into short podcasts or videos that summarize content, explain module goals, or clarify readings and assignments. Through real examples, attendees will see how AI can support accessibility, diverse learning needs, and course outcomes while remaining transparent, ethical, and focused on saving time and improving clarity. Dr. Hongwei Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Physics No More Sneaky Solutions: How Faculty + eLearning Tech Stopped Cheating Description: Cheating in large, foundational mathematics courses such as College Algebra presents ongoing challenges to academic integrity and fairness. In this session, Dr. Hongwei Wang shares her experience implementing a proactive, collaborative approach to reducing cheating in College Algebra exams. Working closely with TAMIU’s eLearning team, she developed structured exam protocols, monitoring strategies, and technology-supported procedures that significantly reduced dishonest behavior. Attendees will learn practical, adaptable strategies for exam administration, communication, and enforcement, along with real classroom examples that demonstrate how thoughtful procedural changes can strengthen integrity, accountability, and course culture. 9:45 – 10:45 A.M. (CST) STC 230 Monday, 2/9/26 REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu Ivette Soto, TAMIU Instructional Designer Increasing Student Engagement with Harmonize 2:30– 3:15 P.M. (CST) CWT 112 Description: This session introduces Harmonize, an educational technology currently being piloted at TAMIU, and explores how it can support student engagement beyond traditional discussions. Similar to tools like VoiceThread, Harmonize allows for multimedia interaction, peer feedback, and reflection, but with added flexibility for low-stakes activities, inclusive participation, and streamlined integration in Blackboard Ultra. Faculty will leave with practical ideas for using Harmonize while keeping workload manageable.
The Power of Practice-Transforming Experience into Innovation QR CODE About the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is a partner, resource, and advocate to higher education institutions across the state. We work in partnership with the legislature, businesses, and other key stakeholders to ensure our state’s higher education goals are aligned with our state’s economic and talent needs. We are a steward to the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas. And we help Texas students and families access the tools they need to choose a postsecondary pathway while connecting them to financial resources to support them on that pathway. We also help ensure transitions – from high school to postsecondary, between postsecondary institutions, and from postsecondary into the workforce – are efficient. Register for sessions at digitallearningsummit.vfairs.com/ Join the THECB virtual conference. No registration cost. Tuesday, 2/10/26 and Wednesday, 2/11/26 Scan to register.
You Cannot Impart What You Don't Possess: Integrity as a Fundamental Element of Ethical Teaching in the Virtual Space Dr. Ricardo Lozano, Associate Professor/Interim Chair, Department of Educational Programs Description: Teaching in virtual environments presents unique challenges that require a strong foundation of personal and professional integrity. This session explores the role of educator integrity in supporting effective online teaching, emphasizing the importance of timely, individualized feedback, clear expectations, and student-centered guidance. Participants will examine how integrity shapes instructional supervision, communication practices, and the ability to respond with empathy, civility, and consistency in virtual spaces. The session highlights that while strong communication and writing skills are essential, successful online teaching ultimately depends on an instructor’s commitment to ethical practice, thoughtful engagement, and meaningful support for student success. 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. (CST) WHT 116 Thursday, 2/12/26 Stronger Student Engagement: Top Hat for In-person teaching Alexa Hefner, Top Hat Representative Description: This interactive session invites faculty to rethink how to make class time more engaging, participatory, and impactful. Explore how Top Hat helps you bring interactivity into your existing teaching materials, encourage every student to participate in real time, spark meaningful discussion, check understanding as you teach, and use AI-powered support to enhance both your workflow and the student learning experience. (Lunch will be provided.) 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (CST) WHT 116 Lunch & Learn The Future of Hearing Care: Exploring Mobile Applications in Audiology Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge, Clinical Associate Professor, College of Nursing & Health Sciences and Anahi Estrada, Senior CSDO Student Description: Smartphone technologies are expanding audiology research by offering accessible, low-cost tools for data collection and clinical screening. This session highlights three studies conducted in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences using mobile applications. One study examined environmental noise levels across Laredo using the Decibel X app. A second evaluated classroom acoustics at TAMIU using dBX and Soniflex, paired with student perception surveys. A third explored campus hearing screening using the HearWHO and Bebird apps. Together, these projects demonstrate the value of smartphonebased tools in field measurement, acoustic assessment, and hearing screening. This research was conducted as part of an Honors student project involving CSDO students. 1:30 –2:30 P.M. (CST) WHT 116 AI-Powered Research: Ensuring Integrity in Human Physiology Studies Dr. José Seiba Moris, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing & Health Sciences Description: Artificial intelligence is reshaping research practices in human health and applied physiology, offering new opportunities to enhance productivity and reliability. This session explores how different AI prompts and computational approaches can lead to varied interpretations of data, highlighting both the benefits and risks of AI assisted research. Participants will examine why using AI only for inspiration can limit discovery, while strategic and responsible use can strengthen study design, data analysis, and scientific interpretation. Faculty will learn practical techniques for crafting effective prompts, validating AI outputs, and integrating AI into research workflows without compromising originality, rigor, or academic integrity. 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. (CST) WHT 116 REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu
REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu Friday, 2/13/26 Dilemmas of the Technologization of Public Administration Dr. Peter Haruna, Professor, Department of Social Sciences Description: Since the increased use of technology in the 1990s, public administration has faced ongoing dilemmas, particularly in education and training for future public service leaders. Faculty and trainers continue to navigate challenges related to curriculum design, course delivery, assessment, and the responsible integration of technology to support effective learning outcomes. This brief presentation explores key questions about whether limits to technology use in public administration education exist and where those boundaries might lie. The session examines three commonly used approaches and their consequences, encouraging participants to reflect on their own practices and share experiences related to technology integration in public service education and training. 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. (CST) CWT 112 Getting "Off Campus": User-Friendly Geospatial Platform to Enhance Classroom Experiences Dr. Andrew Hilburn, Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences Description: Geospatial (mapping) technologies can enrich classroom experiences across disciplines by providing virtual access to the world beyond the classroom and campus. They also especially useful in any situation where place-based, locational, or environmental concepts are taught. This class will showcase time-tested strategies on incorporating Google Earth and ESRI products in teaching and student coursework. From nearly all of COAS, business, education, and health, the target audience is faculty from any field whose course material engages place, space, or the environment. 9:45 – 10:45 A.M. (CST) CWT 112 The Use of AI in the Public Sector: Enhancing Capabilities or Replacing Employees? Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, Professor, Department of Social Sciences Description: In the Communications for Public Administration course, students complete a project in which they use AI to produce a public relations outreach statement while documenting the entire process. The project provides hands on experience with technologies increasingly used in the public sector, allowing students to experiment in a low risk learning environment. Emphasis is placed on prompt development, iteration, and process documentation, highlighting how multiple attempts shape effective outcomes. Through reflection, students examine prompt specificity, time efficiency, and the extent to which human elements can be replicated by technology. The project also raises critical questions about responsibility, discretion, and accountability when AI is used to perform traditionally human tasks. 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (CST) CWT 112
REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu PRESENTERS Daniel González - Daniel A. Gonzalez is a lecturer at TAMIU and an early adopter of AI in education. He has explored tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Notebook LM from their initial releases, and holds micro-credentials in AI from ACUE, Auburn University, and Google. Daniel believes AI is both the great equalizer for students—meeting them where they are—and the long-awaited tool educators need to bring their best ideas to life. For him, AI isn’t just a trend; it’s the classroom assistant every educator deserves. Dr. Peter Haruna - Dr. Peter Haruna is a Full Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program. A Senior Fulbright Scholar to Ghana, Dr. Haruna has over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and mentoring in the US and abroad. Dr. Ricardo Lozano - With extensive and successful experience as an educator in the virtual and physical spaces, Dr. Lozano is internationally acknowledged for his expertise in classroom management, education administration, and leadership development, among others. Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge - Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge holds a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Her expertise includes electrophysiological assessment, vestibular testing, and balance rehabilitation. Her research interests focus on outcome measurement in speech pathology and audiology, including hearing loss, speech sound development, Deaf culture, ethical practice, and classroom acoustics. Dr. Lina De La Garza - Dr. Lina Marie De La Garza is an assistant professor who holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a post-graduate program certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics from UT Austin. Her current research focus centers on artificial intelligence and digital capacity building in education, data analytics, global education, and the development of educational leadership and curricula that embed and support emerging technologies. Dr. Kele Anyanwu - Dr. Kele Anyanwu is an associate professor of educational technology in the Department of Educational Programs at TAMIU. My research interests explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality simulations (MRS), pedagogy, and teacher agency. The focus is on helping educators critically and creatively engage with emerging technologies while centering equity, reflection, and student learning. Dr. Andrew Hilburn - Dr. Andy Hilburn is a human-environmental geographer who studies a border militarization, urban development, natural resources, and land use in the US-Mexico borderlands and Mexico. He is the stand-alone geographer here at TAMIU in the Department of Social Sciences. Dr. Mehnaaz Momen - Dr. Mehnaaz Momen is a Professor in the Master of Public Administration program at TAMIU. She has taught Communication for Public Administration (PADM 5344) for over 20 years, focusing on the connections and disconnections between the growing need for public relations and the basic structure and design of public bureaucracies. Dr. José Seiba Moris - Dr. Jose M. Moris earned his doctorate at Baylor University, where he studied cerebral blood flow hemodynamics and immune regulation, with a focus on macrophage polarization. He now conducts research in Alzheimer’s disease and actively seeks collaborations and mentoring opportunities, driven by his belief that scientific progress depends on strong critical thinking. Dr. Hongwei Wang - Dr. Hongwei Wang is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at TAMIU who is deeply committed to fostering academic integrity. She has implemented rigorous, research-informed strategies to prevent cheating and create a fair, honest learning environment for all students. Ivette Soto - Ivette Soto is an instructional designer at TAMIU with an academic background in Political Science and Psychology. Her work centers on creating accessible, engaging learning experiences and guiding faculty through quality online course design. She is a Quality Matters–certified Peer Reviewer and facilitator who is passionate about leveraging technology to support student success. Alexa Hefner - Alexa Hefner is a Senior Sales Representative at Top Hat and has partnered with faculty since 2019 to support engaging, student-centered teaching. She works closely with instructors across disciplines to help them bring active learning into face-to-face classrooms using tools that fit their existing teaching style. Alexa enjoys helping faculty make small changes that have a big impact on student engagement and learning.
Magsafe Car Phone Holder Insignia 40" LED HD Fire TV 16 inch Portable Monitor Hold on to your session tickets. The more sessions you attend, the better chance you have to win one of these cool gadgets! Blink Outdoor 4 - 2 Camera System Giveaway will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST. GIVEAWAY! Bluetooth Speaker For more information, contact: elearning@tamiu.edu 956.326.2792 Like us on Facebook: @txamiu.oit Sony Wireless Headset
12:00 P.M. Giveaway! 12:00-12:15 10:00-10:15 1:00-1:15 11:00-11:15 2:00-2:15 9:15 - 9:30 12:15-12:30 10:15-10:30 1:15-1:30 11:15-11:30 2:15-2:30 9:30 - 9:45 12:30-12:45 10:30-10:45 1:30-1:45 11:30-11:45 2:30-2:45 3:00-3:15 3:45-4:00 3:30 3:45 9:45 - 10:00 12:45-1:00 10:45-11:00 1:45-2:00 11:45-12:00 2:45-3:00 3:15-3:30 4:00-4:15 4:15-4:30 QR CODE 8:30- 8:45 9:00- 9:15 The Power of Practice-Transforming Experience into Innovation February 10 – 11, 2026 Virtual conference, no registration cost REGISTER AND VIEW SESSIONS AT digitallearningsummit.vfairs.com/ 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. | WHT 116 Stronger Student Engagement: Top Hat for In-person teaching Alexa Hefner, Top Hat 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. | WHT 116 The Future of Hearing Care: Exploring Mobile Applications in Audiology Dr. Sumalai Maroonroge 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. | WHT 116 AI-Powered Research: Ensuring Integrity in Human Physiology Studies Dr. Jose Seiba Moris 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | STC 230 A Guaranteed Powerful Transformation: Using GPTs to Enhance Professional Success Dr. Lina De La Garza Monday, 2/9/26 Tuesday, 2/10/26 Wednesday, 2/11/26 Friday, 2/13/26 9:45 - 10:45 A.M. | STC 230 No More Sneaky Solutions: How Faculty + eLearning Tech Stopped Cheating Dr. Hongwei Wang 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. | WHT 116 You Cannot Impart What You Don't Possess: Integrity as a Fundamental Element of Ethical Teaching in the Virtual Space. Dr. Ricardo Lozano 1:15 - 2:15 P.M. | CWT 112 AI That Acts, Not Just Answers: Introducing Agentic Systems for Educators Dr. Kele Anyanwu 3:30 - 4:30 P.M. | STC 230 AI That Works In Your Classroom: Practical Tools for Better Teaching and Learning Daniel Gonzalez 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. | CWT 112 Dilemmas of the Technologization of Public Administration Dr. Peter Haruna 9:45 - 10:45 A.M. | CWT 112 Getting "Off Campus": User-Friendly Geospatial Platform to Enhance Classroom Experiences Dr. Andrew Hilburn 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | CWT 112 The Use of AI in the Public Sector: Enhancing Capabilities or Replacing Employees? Dr. Mehnaaz Momen Thursday, 2/12/26 2:30 - 3:15 P.M. | CWT 112 Increasing Student Engagement with Harmonize Ivette Soto 8:45- 9:00 The more sessions you attend, the better chance you have to win! Join us on our Facebook Livestream where we will announce the winnners! Like us on Facebook: @txamiu.oit REGISTER FOR SESSIONS AT trainings.tamiu.edu LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES WEEK 16TH ANNUAL FEBRUARY 9 – 13, 2026 Lunch & Learn: Scan to register.
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