Time: April 9, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Przemyslaw Bosak
Since the onset of computers, they have been used to create new modes of expression, enhance creativity, and make complex artistic forms possible, always at the service to the artist, though. Is AI a threat to upset this decades-old hierarchy? If so, how? What does the future look like for musicians in the age of Generative AI? In this presentation Przemyslaw Bosak will attempt to answer these questions by tracing the evolution of human-machine collaboration in music, drawing examples from important historical figures and his own musical practice. The talk will highlight the importance of University of Illinois (the birthplace of computer music) in how it’s shaped this evolution for generations of musicians.
Time: April 10, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Craig Boassaly
Creating truly accessible digital experiences requires more than just passing a validation check; it demands a strategic shift in how we plan, design, and maintain content. This session explores the complete lifecycle of accessible content from web and documents to video, demonstrating why accessibility must start at the planning stage.
Time: April 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Michael Harshbarger
Artificial intelligence is reshaping accessibility work, from automated testing to faster content checks. But AI alone can’t guarantee inclusion. This session explores the balance between automation and human leadership. Attendees will see how AI can accelerate testing and reporting, where it introduces risk, and when human strengths like empathy and judgment are essential. Live demonstrations and real-world use cases will highlight how teams can pair AI tools with human oversight to save time without sacrificing quality. Attendees will leave with a framework for responsibly integrating AI into accessibility strategies while preserving the human role at the center of inclusion.
Time: April 9, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Speakers: Shenika Glover
This presentation will discuss how effective strategic communication and brand marketing promoted the Summer of AI 2025 Campaign at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stakeholders. Throughout the presentation, I will highlight the goals of the Summer of AI event, the process of strategic communication in terms of project and brand implementation, the steps to reach audiences on all communication platforms (social media, newsletters, website, digital signage, and more), and the best ways to incorporate AI to assist with content creation and reaching diverse audiences. Also, I will discuss the Summer of AI data reports, which will help with the planning of future AI events at CITL.
Time: April 9, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Beth Carron and Shaun Spence
Higher ed teams have been trying to implement and refine traditional SEO methods for years, but with AI-driven search changing how students find information, it’s time to shift focus. This session will take time to break down what’s changing, what still works, and how existing SEO techniques can be refined to make university content more discoverable for AI. Attendees will walk away with practical tips for using authority signals, video, and social proof, and focusing on content that directly influences enrollment decisions.
Time: April 10, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Speakers: Kate McGowan
AI-driven search, from LLMs like ChatGPT and Perplexity to Google AI Mode, is reshaping how consumers discover brands, engage with website content, and convert. As search engines and generative models surface answers directly, institutions face declining brand visibility, fewer site visits, and mounting pressure on each visit to convert.In this session, we’ll show you how to adapt. You’ll learn how to leverage Google Analytics and other data platforms to measure the impact of AI search on your traffic and brand discovery, and how to interpret shifting audience behaviors. We’ll discuss strategies to optimize your website for the future of search and a compressed enrollment funnel that’s more difficult to track and attribute. Finally, we’ll share tips for future-proofing your content strategy to ensure your institution remains visible, relevant, and competitive in the era of AI search.
Time: April 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Christy Moss
When I asked my great-grandmother about the most influential invention of her lifetime, she didn’t say the car—she said the washing machine. It didn’t just change how she did laundry; it changed who was expected to do it, and even how well laundry had to be done. AI is doing the same to our workplaces today. In this session you’ll get a roadmap for AI adoption—from experimentation to operationalizing—plus tools to help your team adapt without burnout. You’ll leave with a roadmap, language for ROI, and the momentum to turn “try it” energy into trustworthy, repeatable outcomes.
Time: April 10, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Marisa Peacock
Piloted in Spring 2024 and refined in 2025, AI and Advertising is a cross-disciplinary elective at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The course combines hands-on use of AI tools with critical discussions on ethics and brand trust, alongside insights from industry and guest speakers. By examining the assignments, readings, guest presentations, and student feedback over two years, this study highlights strong student engagement and the course’s ongoing pedagogical development, Additionally, the course’s design, evolution, and outcomes are explored, offering practical lessons for teaching when technology and creativity intersect.
Time: April 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Devika Toprani
AI now produces information faster than most learners can absorb it. This makes clarity one of the biggest challenges in digital education. Somagraphic Learning™ introduces a visual grammar that uses simple shapes and motion cues to explain ideas. These visuals give learners a quick sense of meaning before they encounter text, formulas, or technical detail. This session will show how a visual grammar can add a clarity-first layer to online and web-based learning. It reduces overwhelm, supports neurodiverse learners, and makes complex topics easier to understand. Participants will learn practical ways to include these visuals in slides, LMS modules, and AI-supported lessons. They will also see how this approach makes digital learning feel more human, accessible, and emotionally engaging.
Time: April 4, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Marcus Finley
In today’s competitive landscape, businesses need every advantage. This hands-on workshop introduces proven strategies for implementing AI and smart automations to boost efficiency and drive revenue growth, tailored for businesses’ unique needs and constraints. We’ll demystify AI and automation, demonstrating their accessibility and benefits for businesses of all sizes. Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll learn to identify and prioritize AI and automation opportunities in your business. You’ll learn to assess your business processes and potential AI/automation applications, with a step-by-step guide for prioritizing initiatives based on ROI and implementation ease. Real-world examples will illustrate successful SMB implementations, offering practical tools and actionable strategies for your business.
Key areas include:
- Opportunity Mapping
- Cost-Effective Solutions
- Customer Experience Enhancement
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Revenue Generation