Ever wondered how community colleges are staying ahead in the AI revolution? Barton Community College just joined a national consortium dedicated to uncovering the best ways to integrate Artificial Intelligence into education and training. What does this mean for students and the future of learning?
Barton Community College has been selected as a pivotal member of a prestigious national consortium, an initiative set to define best practices for Artificial Intelligence integration across community college systems nationwide. This strategic inclusion positions Barton at the forefront of shaping future AI education and workforce development.
The American Association of Community Colleges spearheaded the “AI Skills for All” initiative, designed as a collaborative platform for community practice. This ambitious program empowers member institutions to explore innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence and to formulate robust AI policies benefiting both students and staff.
Initially not among the founding institutions like Miami Dade, Houston Community College, and Maricopa, Barton Community College later received an invitation to join the exclusive group of 30 colleges. This late but significant inclusion highlights the college’s growing reputation and commitment to technological advancement in education.
Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki, alongside Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons, Dr. Kathy Kottas (Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education), and Renee Demel (Chief Information Officer), played crucial roles in securing this membership. Their collective efforts culminated in the signing of an agreement, officially integrating Barton into the national Artificial Intelligence consortium.
Representatives from the participating community colleges convened in July and are scheduled to continue sharing their cutting-edge AI practices until December 2026. This ongoing collaboration focuses intensely on ensuring industry relevance and fostering student empowerment through comprehensive training in ethical and responsible AI usage for all stakeholders.
The consortium’s practical implementation kicks off with specialized training sessions beginning September 25. These sessions will introduce participants to generative AI, a transformative branch of Artificial Intelligence capable of creating new content such as text, images, and code. Furthermore, attendees will gain proficiency in tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance daily operational efficiency.
While acknowledging the potential for misuse, the college staff strongly affirmed Artificial Intelligence as a valuable tool with numerous beneficial applications. Dr. Narren Brown, Barton’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness, cited its utility in coding and its capacity to craft neutral, unbiased survey questions, demonstrating practical and ethical AI deployment.
Barton’s engagement in this AI consortium is poised to significantly impact its curriculum, staff development, and overall institutional strategy. By contributing to and adopting best practices, the college will ensure its students are equipped with essential AI skills, preparing them for an evolving workforce landscape and cementing Barton’s role as an innovator in higher education.
