First-Time Reflections: SITE 2025, AI in Education, and Stepping into the Conversation
- Marcus D. Taylor, MBA
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
A Week of Firsts and Big Ideas
Before this week, I’d never stepped foot into a SITE (Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education) conference—and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I walked away with was clarity, connection, and a glimpse into the future of how AI is shaping education.
Held in Orlando, Florida from March 17–21, SITE 2025 became a memorable first for me—not just as an attendee, but as a presenter and leadership candidate. From navigating sessions on AI policy to connecting with peers from the University of Texas system, every moment offered new perspective.
Adapting to the Flow and Finding Common Ground
Adjusting to the rhythm of the conference took a moment—sessions were packed with diverse topics, fast-paced transitions, and thought-provoking dialogue. But I quickly found my stride, especially in sessions centered around AI in education, an area I work in every day.
What struck me most were the shared challenges across institutions. Everywhere, campuses are asking similar questions:
How do we manage the use of generative AI in student work?
What are fair, enforceable policies?
Who should make the call—departments, instructors, or central administration?
Most current policies focus more on tools than on the techniques—a necessary step, but one that highlights the need for deeper understanding of AI models, NLP frameworks, and ethical design.
Delivering My First Brief Paper Presentation
Thursday afternoon marked a personal milestone: my first SITE presentation. My session, titled Multilingual Voice Cloned AI in Education: Enhancing Online Learning with Instructor Voice Synthesis Across Languages, focused on using AI- voice cloned tools to enhance accessibility and learning outcomes.
The timing was tricky—right after attendees received their Universal Studios passes—but the smaller crowd of 13 turned out to be a gift. It transformed the talk into a real conversation. Questions flowed more easily, and the setting felt collaborative rather than performative. For a first-time speaker, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
A Leadership Opportunity: Running for SIG Co-Chair
Earlier in the week, on Day 3 (Wednesday), I had the opportunity to run for co-chair of the Special Interest Group (SIG) for Learning Technology and Instructional Design. While I didn’t secure the position, I was honored to speak to the group and be considered for leadership.
The right person was chosen for the role, and I’m genuinely excited to stay involved with the SIG community throughout the year—contributing ideas, participating in initiatives, and continuing to grow in this space.
Team Support and Shared Energy
Nine of us from the University of Texas system attended SITE 2025, and that team presence made a difference. We supported each other’s sessions, exchanged feedback, and created a sense of shared momentum. It reminded me how important collaboration is in driving educational innovation.
Setting the Scene: From Stella Nova to Rosen College
Our stay at the retro-futuristic Stella Nova Hotel and Resort brought a fun, modern vibe to the week—like stepping into a live-action episode of The Jetsons. Each morning, we shuttled a few miles to the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
The campus was a visual delight: Mediterranean architecture, palm-lined walkways, and fountains sparkling under the Florida sun. And with Universal Studios just across the street, post-session downtime had its perks.
Looking Ahead
SITE 2025 gave me more than just knowledge—it gave me direction. I now understand the flow, the culture, and the power of showing up and engaging. I’m already looking forward to returning next year—hopefully speaking earlier in the week and making even more of the experience.
For anyone considering their first SITE conference: go. Ask questions. Connect. Whether you’re presenting, running for leadership, or just soaking it all in, it’s a space where voices matter and the future of education is being shaped in real time.
Comentarios