By Kelsey Meshell | NLTCC
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) recently sent a group of educators to the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence. This conference is well-known for bringing together dedicated educators from community and technical colleges to discuss and improve teaching and learning strategies. Among the attendees from NLTCC were deans, instructors, and the Vice Chancellor of Academics, Student Affairs, and Workforce, Renee Sears.
The conference was particularly special for NLTCC as two of their instructors were honored with the annual NISOD Excellence Awards. The 2024 honorees included Melanie Geoghagan, Practical Nursing Coordinator and Instructor, and Kontiki Smith, Patient Care Technician Coordinator and Practical Nursing Instructor. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize educators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.
The NISOD conference provided many benefits to those who attended. Heath Holly, Dean of Manufacturing Technology, found the sessions enlightening, especially those about using AI technology in the classroom.
Sheri McLemore, Dean of Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, and Technical Studies, attended sessions that explored how AI can improve teaching and learning. Sheri also learned about forming valuable partnerships with community organizations, which can enhance dual enrollment programs and provide better opportunities for both students and the college.
Melanie Geoghagan found the sessions on instructional design very beneficial. “Understanding how to structure classes effectively is crucial, especially for educators transitioning from industry to education,” Melanie said. She also valued the insights on managing multigenerational classrooms. “Recognizing the value of diversity in enriching educational experiences is essential,” she added.
Kontiki Smith echoed the benefits of using AI in education. While she acknowledged concerns about plagiarism and accuracy, she recognized AI’s potential to customize learning for each student. “AI can tailor educational content to the needs of each individual student, enhancing critical thinking and clinical judgment skills,” Kontiki stated. She believes this personalized approach can benefit students in various fields.
Keith McLemore, Industrial Maintenance Instructor, reflected positively on his experience at the conference. He appreciated the increased awareness of AI’s transformative role in education and looks forward to implementing these new insights in his teaching methods.
By attending the NISOD conference, NLTCC’s educators gained fresh ideas and practical solutions for teaching challenges. They learned about the latest trends and tools in education, such as AI technology, which can personalize and enhance learning. The conference also provided a platform for networking with other educators and forming partnerships that can benefit students. The knowledge and skills they brought back will help create a better learning environment for students at NLTCC.