MCC Daily Tribune

TCC: Spring Conversation #2--AI for Accessibility and Belonging

The Teaching and Creativity Center invites you to the second of its Conversations events: AI for Accessibility and Belonging.

When: Tuesday, March 17, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Where: Brighton Campus TCC (12-201) or join the meeting via Zoom

Facilitators: Kate Robinson (Virtual Campus) and Jim Downer (Visual and Performing Arts)

Jim and Kate will present a faculty discussion on the use of AI in the classroom to promote DEI, bringing together two very different, but remarkably complementary, perspectives. Kate, the ever-dedicated steward of the virtual campus, approaches the topic with the calm precision of someone who has probably helped every single faculty member on campus at least once (and gently reminded a few where the “submit” button lives). Known for her seriousness, organization, and deep commitment to supporting faculty and students alike, she brings a thoughtful and practical lens to how AI can support access, equity, and inclusive learning environments.

Jim, meanwhile, comes from the slightly more chaotic, but highly creative, side of academia: the arts. Armed with a master’s degree in the science of Instructional Technology and a teaching résumé that tends to raise eyebrows, he has taught somewhere between twenty-five and thirty different subjects, spanning everything from wide-eyed freshmen just learning the rhythms of college to graduate students who confidently pretend they already know them. His perspective explores how emerging technologies can expand creativity, experimentation, and new forms of engagement in the classroom.

Together, they make an unlikely but effective duo: Kate ensuring the conversation stays grounded, organized, and purposeful, while Jim makes sure it also stays imaginative, exploratory, and occasionally amusing. The session promises a thoughtful look at how AI can support inclusive teaching, while reminding faculty that, even in an age of algorithms, the human element of teaching still does most of the heavy lifting.

All faculty and staff are welcome!

The event is designed to meet the following goal of the Teaching and Creativity Center's programming:

Goal 1: Create a culture of critical reflection, continual growth, and collaboration for faculty at all stages of professional growth
Goal 2: Promote evidence-based, high-impact, innovative course design and teaching strategies that improve student outcomes
Goal 3: Facilitate faculty inquiry into the study of teaching & learning with an equity lens

Amy Burtner
Teaching and Creativity Center
03/16/2026