DePeters Center Shares AI Expertise in the Community

February 4, 2025

Katie Sabourin, assistant vice president for digital learning, along with staff members from Fisher’s DePeters Family Center for Innovative and Teaching Excellence have delivered several community presentations about artificial intelligence. The staff at the center have made AI, especially generative AI, a focus since late 2022 when ChatGPT 3.5 was released.

“This area of technology has major implications for education for both instructors and students and we have worked hard to stay up to date as the technology has been evolving rapidly,” Sabourin said.

In November, Sabourin participated in a higher education panel at the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES event, Advancing Together: AI in Education Regional Summit. The event, which was designed for for K-12 administrators, technology specialists, and instructional coaches, gave insight to the successes and challenges of integrating AI into instructional strategies, operational workflows, and student preparation for an AI-driven future.

Days later, Sabourin, along with Robin Schmid, senior training support specialist, and Tyler Woodward, who at the time served as the educational content developer with the DePeters Family Center, presented at the Upstate New York College Collaboration’s Navigating and Leveraging AI Together. At the event, they presented on the campus-wide support of Fisher’s AI toolkit.

Sabourin was also invited to a webinar led by Apple to discuss the iFisher: Next Generation Learning Initiative. The webinar focused on the integration of iPads and how it has transformed learning environments and improved outcomes for students. This event is via special invitation only by Apple to high-level college administrators.

In December, Sabourin had the opportunity to present at Flower City AI about the impact AI is having on higher education, specifically on Fisher’s campus.

“We understand that it can be difficult and overwhelming to try to keep up with the rapid pace of change that AI is experiencing, so the DePeters Family Center aims to serve as a trusted resource, helping faculty, staff, and students navigate these advancements with clarity and confidence,” said Sabourin. “Through ongoing workshops, consultations, and curated resources, we strive to demystify AI, foster critical AI literacy, and empower our community to use these tools ethically and effectively in their teaching, learning, and professional work.”

This article was written by Brooke Eastman, a senior media and communication major. Eastman currently serves as an intern with the Marketing and Communications department at Fisher for 2024-25.