Artificial Intelligence Expert To Speak at Missouri Valley
Missouri Valley College’s new President’s Speaker Series will welcome Dr. James Hutson as its first guest speaker. Hutson is a specialist in artificial intelligence, neurohumanities, neurodiversity, immersive realities and the gamification of education.
Hutson’s presentation titled “AI and Gen Z: Cultivating Durable Skills and Metacognition in Liberal Arts Education,” will be at 3 p.m. on February 28 in the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre.
Hutson will delve into the role of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in enhancing liberal arts education for Generation Z, emphasizing the development of durable skills and metacognition. It explores the integration of generative and multimodal AI technologies to engage Gen Z students, who are characterized by their familiarity with digital environments and a preference for dynamic, interactive learning experiences.
Central to the discussion is how AI can be effectively used to personalize learning and create immersive experiences that resonate with the unique learning styles of this generation. This approach not only fosters critical thinking and creativity but also encourages reflective learning, essential for lifelong education.
“I’ve admired and respected Dr. Hutson’s research for many years,” said Dr. Parisi. “I can’t wait for our campus to experience his presentation and begin reflecting on how it can impact them.”
Hutson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Tulsa, a Master of Arts in Art History from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Maryland, College Park. He later acquired additional Master’s degrees in Leadership and Game Design from Lindenwood University and an additional PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Capitol Technology University.
Over the span of his academic career since 2006, Hutson has held various pedagogical and administrative positions across five universities, including Chair of Art History, Assistant Dean of Graduate and Online Programs, and most recently, Lead XR Disruptor and Department Head of Art History and Visual Culture. He was selected as one of the top five remarkable men in education for 2023 by the Knowledge Review, an international education magazine.
Notably, his scholarly portfolio includes several books on the application of artificial intelligence in education and cultural heritage, such as Creative Convergence: The AI Renaissance in Art and Design (2024), as well as numerous articles and case studies.