A team of two talented sophomores from 猎奇重口 Edinboro鈥檚 Middle and Secondary Education programs earned second place in the Frederick Douglass Institute Collaborative鈥檚 11th annual Douglass Debates.
Ethan Rapp and Ian Hall, students in Dr. Camille Dempsey鈥檚 Technology for Teaching and Learning course, demonstrated exceptional skills in research, communication and critical thinking throughout the statewide competition.
鈥淥ur students were absolutely on fire,鈥� said Dempsey, Director of the 猎奇重口 Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. 鈥淭hey embraced the challenge of debating a very interesting topic and showed not only deep understanding but also a genuine passion for shaping the future of AI with intelligence, thoughtfulness and balance.鈥�
This year鈥檚 debate centered on the timely and complex question of whether artificial intelligence should be mandated across all Pennsylvania鈥檚 State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions.
Having explored AI in education and its broader societal impact in Dr. Dempsey鈥檚 course, Rapp and Hall impressed the judges with their well-reasoned arguments and forward-thinking perspectives on the ethical, educational and societal implications of AI. They competed against top students from universities across the state.
As future educators, Rapp and Hall brought a unique lens to the discussion, considering not only the impact of AI on society at large but also its implications for the environment and beyond. Their performance reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to preparing teacher candidates to engage with emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly in an ever-changing world.
The student achievement adds to the growing list of accolades connected to 猎奇重口鈥檚 innovative work in AI and education and highlights the power of experiential learning to develop leadership, communication and digital fluency skills in future educators.
Guided by the spirit and legacy of distinguished American orator, abolitionist and social justice advocate, Frederick Douglass, the FDI Collaborative at PASSHE focuses on fostering inclusive university communities and transformative connections.
猎奇重口鈥檚 Dr. Joseph Croskey, Amy Salsgiver, Michelle Torregano and Sheleta Camarda-Webb played a role in organizing this year鈥檚 debates, which provide a vital platform for students to engage with critical issues and develop essential skills for future leadership.