Bethany Smith, director of Instructional Support and Training in Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) at NC State, recently traveled to Université Côte d’Azur in France through the Erasmus+ mobility program to participate in International Digital Week. The event brought together higher education professionals from around the world to discuss digital transformation, artificial intelligence and international collaboration.

Smith, who has worked at NC State for nearly 24 years and in DELTA for more than 10 years, supports faculty and instructors in integrating technology into their in-person and online courses. Her work includes faculty technology support, training, instructional consultations and online course quality.

At International Digital Week, Smith participated in discussions focused on artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching, learning and assessment. She said one of the most valuable parts of the experience was realizing that universities around the world are navigating many of the same questions about AI.

Similarly, Smith said the international discussions gave her a broader perspective on how universities are responding to the new technology, including differences in regulation, data security and technology use. For Smith, the experience reinforced the importance of considering perspectives beyond the United States.

“These are some important perspectives that if I was just in my little bubble, I wouldn’t be able to see,” Smith said.

The conference also prompted Smith to consider the balance between demonstrating student learning and the demands that can place on students and faculty. Discussions focused on the importance of emphasizing the process of learning rather than only the final product, while also considering the workload involved in documenting that process. 

“I thought it was interesting to think about the burden of proof.”

Smith noted that students can face “that constant feeling of having to prove that you’re not using AI” and that faculty also face practical challenges when teaching large classes.

Beyond AI, Smith was struck by the emphasis on international collaboration and cultural exchange. She said participants at the conference viewed international connections as an important part of their regular educational work.

“It was really interesting to see the sustained commitment to doing cultural exchange,” Smith said. “We think that it’s super important for our students to connect with students from all over the world.”

For Smith, the Erasmus+ experience reinforced the value of learning from international colleagues and bringing those perspectives back to NC State.

“I think it’s really important to have an open mind and to think about what it is that you can learn from the experience as much as what you can share,” Smith said.