As the Program Coordinator for Online Education at Bennett College, this submission describes a digital transformation initiative within the Department of Distance Education to enhance the academic experience for both traditional and adult learners. This initiative centers on the development of a "Learning Commons" course within the Canvas Learning Management System. Designed as a rapid-access resource, the Commons centralizes institutional policies, academic tools, and support services for the entire university community. Central to this transformation is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize operational efficiency and student engagement. In this professional capacity, AI is leveraged to build inclusive orientation sessions, manage complex project schedules, and streamline departmental communications. A primary strategic focus is the construction of a new online platform specifically tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. During participation in a current AI technology conference, Sendsteps, an AI-driven presentation tool, was identified as a high-value asset for this population. Sendsteps facilitates the creation of interactive, professional-grade presentations, thereby reducing technical barriers and increasing student agency in digital environments. By implementing such tools, the department aims to bridge the digital gap while maintaining a clear distinction between automated efficiencies and the essential human elements of mentorship and pedagogical philosophy.
Implementation steps and strategic initiatives
The initiative described by Angel Oliver at Bennett College provides a strong foundation for a structured implementation plan. The first priority is to establish a faculty-led working group that includes instructional designers, department leadership, and student representatives to formalize the approach described in the abstract. This group should develop a detailed implementation timeline covering the first two semesters, with clear milestones, resource requirements, and accountability structures. The abstract's core insight — that as the program coordinator for online education at bennett college, this submission describes a digital transformation initiative within the department of distance education to enhance the academic experience for both traditional and adult learners — should serve as the guiding principle for all implementation decisions.
A pilot phase should be launched in one or two courses or programs, allowing the team to test the approach in a controlled setting before broader rollout. The pilot should include clear entry and exit criteria, a structured feedback loop with participating students and faculty, and a mid-pilot review meeting to address emerging challenges. Resources including technology subscriptions, faculty release time, and professional development support should be secured before the pilot begins to avoid disruption. Documentation of the pilot process — including what worked, what did not, and what was modified — will be essential for scaling the approach.
Following a successful pilot, the institution should develop a scaling plan that extends the approach to additional courses, programs, or student populations. This plan should include a faculty onboarding package, a peer coaching program pairing experienced implementers with new adopters, and a shared resource repository. The abstract's observation that this initiative centers on the development of a "learning commons" course within the canvas learning
management system suggests that scaling will require attention to both technical and cultural dimensions of change. Institutional leadership should signal commitment to the initiative through public recognition of participating faculty and students.
Sustainability requires embedding the approach in institutional planning and accreditation processes. Annual reviews of implementation data should inform continuous improvement, and findings should be shared with peer institutions through professional networks and publications. Partnerships with organizations such as the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center at Tennessee State University will provide ongoing support and amplify the initiative's impact beyond Bennett College.