At Mindgrub’s first Outdoor Speaker Series event of the season, Founder & CEO Todd Marks led an energizing discussion with three standout panelists working at the forefront of education and artificial intelligence: Dionne Curbeam, Interim Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Coppin State University; Dr. Jake London, Assistant Professor at Loyola University; and Mo Ezderman, Director of AI at Mindgrub.

The conversation took place under a clear blue sky in Mindgrub’s open-air courtyard. With iced drinks in hand, attendees leaned in as the panelists shared stories and ideas about how educators and technologists are reshaping learning inside and outside the classroom. There were plenty of laughs, especially when the group reflected on the early days of remote learning. “We were all figuring it out as we went,” Curbeam joked. “Some of us were still learning how to unmute.”

Rewriting the Higher Ed Playbook

The group kicked things off with a look at how colleges and universities are rethinking long-standing approaches. Whether it’s upgrading legacy systems or creating more flexible pathways for students, there’s a shared understanding that today’s learners need more than just lectures and letter grades.

At Coppin State, Curbeam is helping steer a tech-forward strategy that puts student success front and center. “We’re focused on creating an environment where students have access to the resources they need—anytime, anywhere,” she noted, reflecting the university’s push for smarter infrastructure and more seamless services. This includes initiatives like digital-first classrooms, AI-enhanced support, and rethinking student services for a mobile-first generation.

Meanwhile, Dr. London shared how Loyola is investing in accessibility and hybrid models that give students more control over how (and where) they learn. He spoke about bridging generational expectations around learning styles, noting that “Today’s students don’t want to be passive recipients—they want to co-create their experience.”

On the industry side, Ezderman highlighted how Mindgrub is collaborating with institutions to make new tools practical and people-focused. “It’s not about just adding AI to everything,” he said. “It’s about figuring out where it actually improves the learning experience.”

Designing with People in Mind

Throughout the conversation, one theme emerged: technology only works when it truly supports the people using it. That means designing systems with students and faculty in mind, not just as end users, but as partners in the process.

The panel emphasized the importance of listening closely, building trust, and creating space for feedback, particularly when introducing new tools or adapting long-standing routines. Support and communication matter just as much as the tech itself.

“If it feels like something being done to faculty, it’s going to fall flat,” said London. “But if you co-create it, people will actually use it.”

Curbeam echoed the need for intentional implementation: “We’re not just adding tech for the sake of innovation. It has to be rooted in the real-world needs of our campus community.”

Making Smarter Use of Tech

Artificial intelligence was a hot topic, but the group made it clear: the goal isn’t to replace instructors or automate education. It’s about using technology to make the experience more responsive, offering more thoughtful feedback, saving time, or helping students feel seen and supported.

Still, they stressed the importance of being thoughtful. Just because a tool is new doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. What matters most is whether it solves a real problem in a way that feels seamless and respectful to everyone involved.

What Education Teams Can Take Away

Whether you’re working in a university setting, supporting faculty, or building tech for the education space, a few key lessons stood out:

• Stay people-first. The best tools and strategies are built around the real needs of students and educators.
• Think in phases. Testing, learning, and adjusting along the way can lead to stronger, more lasting results.
• Don’t go it alone. Strong collaboration among IT, leadership, faculty, and partners yields better outcomes.
• Be selective with tech. Choose tools based on how well they support your broader mission, not just because they’re trending.

Looking Ahead

Events like the Outdoor Speaker Series remind us that meaningful change in education isn’t just about new platforms or big ideas. It’s about staying connected to learners, to each other, and to what really works. And that’s what keeps this work exciting: the chance to build something more thoughtful, inclusive, and human – together.

Watch the complete video recap of the event today.