Presenter: Tavis Bragg (The Jodrey School of Computer Science)

AI is here, rewriting the rules of academia while we debate the syllabus. Automated grading, AI-generated assignments, personalized learning, where does it end, and who decides the limits? Professors are now both gatekeepers and guides in a landscape where AI’s potential is limitless but so are its ethical minefields. This talk cuts through the panic and pragmatism, tackling the real question, how do we wield AI responsibly without eroding critical thinking? Expect high-stakes discussion, real-world use cases, and a vision of an AI-enhanced pedagogy that keeps humans at the helm.

Tavis Bragg is an educator, technologist, and AI ethics advocate shaping the future of digital learning. An adjunct professor in the Jodrey School of Computer Science at Acadia University and a high school educator, he blends computer science, sociology, philosophy, and education to challenge conventional teaching in an AI-driven world. His keynote, “Disruptions: The Teacher’s Role in Navigating Uncertainty” at the Nova Scotia Social Studies Teachers Association Conference examined how educators can adapt to rapid change. His upcoming talk at Dalhousie’s Conference on University Teaching and Learning, “Connecting Classrooms to Communities: Leveraging AI for Proposal Development and Community Impact,” builds on his work in AI’s role in student-driven innovation and real-world problem-solving. A recognized HP Teaching Fellow and AI EdSafe Ally, Tavis has spoken at FETC and ITiCSE, contributing to global conversations on AI in education. His work focuses on AI’s impact on critical thinking, creativity, and academic integrity, ensuring human insight remains central to learning.