Episode #229: A Meeting of the Minds of Educational Technology Editors, 5 pm Eastern, 4/5/2025In Episode #229 of Silver Lining for Learning (SLL), we will explore the topic of editing journals in the field of learning, design, and technology. In this hour, we will hear from three distinguished editors:Dr. Peter Shea from the University of Albany, current editor of the Online Learning Journal (OLJ). In fact, he was the Founding Editor as OLJ emerged from the ashes of the Journal of Synchronous Learning Networks (JALN).Dr. Som Naidu from Melbourne, Australia, who until recently served as the editor of Distance Education (DE) for the past quarter century. In fact, he too was the Founding Editor.Dr. Vanessa Dennen from Florida State University has served the field in several editorial capacities, including a decade as co-Editor in Chief of The Internet and Higher Education (2014-2024), and 3 years as an Associate Editor for Educational Researcher. She is presently an Associate Editor for Computers in Human Behavior Reports and has edited special issues for Educational Technology Research & Development, Online Learning, Distance Education, The Internet and Higher Education, and Technology, Instruction, Cognition & Learning.More about the topics we hope to cover and our guests below the videohttps://youtu.be/2rK38Af5bncAmong the topics we'll discuss:How the rankings of educational technology journals have skyrocketed since COVID.Recent trends in the educational technology field.Recent and upcoming special issue topics in their journals.Significant challenges they face as editors.Present journal goals.Trends for the future that SLL might consider.As always, we will ask our guests to recommend future guests for SLL.About Our GuestsDr. Vanessa DennenDr. Vanessa Dennen is the Tyner Distinguished Professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies in the Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at Florida State University. She joined the faculty at FSU in 2003. In 2024 she was named a Fellow of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. She has a PhD in Instructional Systems Technology and MS in Educational Psychology from Indiana University and an MS in Instructional Design, Development & Evaluation from Syracuse University.Vanessa's research focuses on pedagogical, social, and ethical aspects of learning and interacting in online environments. She began her academic career studying student discussion and engagement in online classes. She has expanded this work to now focus more broadly on networked knowledge activities in professional development settings, the use of emerging online technologies (including artificial intelligence) to support formal and informal learning, and the development of identity and community in online environments. She leads two research groups at FSU, Mediated Environments for Meaningful Education (MEME) Research Group and the Students, Social Media & Schools Research Group.Vanessa has authored more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. Additionally, she has co-edited four books: Virtual Professional Development and Informal Learning in Online Environments (2012), Social Presence and Identity in Online Learning (2019), Reshaping International Teaching and Learning: Universities in the Information Age (2021), and Global Perspectives on Educational Innovations for Emergency Situations (2022). She was a section editor for the 2023 Handbook of Open, Distance and Digital Education.As a practitioner, Vanessa has worked as an instructional designer and evaluator in corporate, government and higher education settings. Projects have included developing and teaching a MOOC, evaluating online learning programs, designing standards-compliant Web-based training programs, and developing online community supports. She is also a trained leadership and performance coach, working with graduate students, faculty, and institutions to promote personal growth, professional development, and help people reach their individual and organizational goals.Vanessa delivers keynote speeches, professional development workshops, and webinars internationally for instructors and instructional designers on topics such as fostering online presence, online learning communities and networks, open educational resources, and instructional design for active learning. During the pandemic, she became known for her, “People First, Content Second, Technology Third” humanist approach to online teaching.Find her homepages at: https://annescollege.fsu.edu/vanessa-dennen or https://vanessadennen.com/Som Naidu, PhD; D. Litt., PFHEADr. Som Naidu, PhD; D. Litt., PFHEAProfessor Som Naidu is former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Flexible Learning), and Director of the Centre for Flexible Learning at the University of the South Pacific, and currently Principal Associate of Technology, Education and Design Associates—a Melbourne based educational technology consultancy service.Dr. Naidu has spent most of his professional life in the higher education sector in a variety of roles to do with enhancing learning and teaching in open, flexible, distance, online learning and distributed learning, and education more generally in a variety of jurisdictions. He possesses undergraduate qualifications in Education from the University of Waikato in New Zealand and graduate qualifications in Educational Technology from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. A former president of the Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia, Som has served as Executive Editor of the journal Distance Education (https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cdie20/current) for over 30 years.In May 2014 the Open University of Sri Lanka awarded Dr. Naidu a D.Litt. (Honoris Causa), in recognition of his extensive contribution to the field of open, flexible, distance and e-learning both regionally and internationally. And in July 2020, Advance Higher Education, UK, admitted Dr. Naidu as Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy for his commitment, contribution and strategic leadership in the scholarship of learning and teaching globally.ORCiD: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7480-8120LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/som-naidu-phd-d-litt-346a7199/Email: sommnaidu@gmail.comTwitter: @sommnaiduProfile, Legends of online learning: https://onlinelearninglegends.com/podcast/050-professor-som-naidu/ and https://www.acode.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=4039Dr. Peter SheaDr. Shea is a Professor in the department of Educational Theory and Practice with a joint appointment with the Department of Informatics in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His research focuses on technology-mediated teaching and learning in higher education. He is the author of numerous articles and several book chapters on the topic of online learning and co-author of The Successful Distance Learning Student. He is a co-recipient of several national awards including the EDUCAUSE Award for Systemic Progress in Teaching and Learning for the State University of New York, and Sloan Consortium Awards for Excellence in Faculty Development and Asynchronous Learning Networks Programs, and was named a Sloan-C Fellow in 2011.Dr. Shea has also been the recipient of significant external funding for his recent work. This includes three grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to research faculty and student experiences in complete online learning environments and support for the development of hybrid learning environments at the University at Albany. He was also principal investigator on a US Department of Education grant to research and develop an online system to support the teaching of Chinese to children in K-12 public schools.Previously, Dr. Shea was Associate Provost for Online Learning at UAlbany, providing leadership and strategy for online teaching and learning in collaboration with academic, administrative, and support units across the University. He was also Director of the SUNY Learning Network, the online education system for the 64 colleges of the State University of New York.Don't miss this exciting episode - join us on April 5th! 

Intercultural competence—the ability to navigate cultural differences with understanding and respect—has become an essential skill in our interconnected world. This competence bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and creates meaningful connections across cultures. Technology has turned the world into one global village where in-person and online encounters with foreign cultures are the norm. However, these can be intimidating when one doesn't know how to navigate cultural differences. Technology serves as a powerful catalyst for developing this essential skill, particularly in today's increasingly multicultural educational landscapes, both on physical campuses and in online learning environments, preparing students for an interconnected future.Cross-cultural differences can be acute in societies with a history of conflict such as Israel. Its main cultural groups are secular Jews, religious Jews and Muslim Arabs, co-living with other minorities from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is also reflected in how the state and society are organized. Israel’s education system is divided into sectors with schools that do not interact with one another. In this complex context—where historical and ongoing tensions create additional challenges—educators bear the critical responsibility of nurturing students' intercultural sensitivity, creating an urgent need for specialized training while technology-facilitated virtual spaces offer neutral ground for meaningful interaction across cultural boundaries. The TEC Center's work takes on renewed significance as it continues fostering dialogue in this challenging environment.The TEC Center designs and implements simulations within virtual environments, utilizing advanced technologies to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. These simulations are applied in various educational settings to enhance intercultural communication, collaboration, and understanding. These carefully crafted simulations serve as transformative educational tools across various settings, specifically designed to enhance intercultural communication, foster collaboration, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.Simulations in teacher education provide preservice teachers with practical, hands-on experience in a controlled, low-risk environment. Unlike traditional theoretical instruction, simulations allow repeated practice and experimentation, helping future educators develop essential teaching skills. These simulations range from simple text-based formats to immersive virtual reality environments (Gibson et al., 2007; Marburg et al., 2017).Research suggests that incorporating simulations into teacher training programs enhances preparedness for real-world classroom challenges (Zibit & Gibson, 2005; Archambault et al., 2010; Badiee & Kaufman, 2014). By engaging in these controlled yet dynamic settings, preservice teachers gain valuable insights into classroom management, student engagement, and instructional strategies. Simulations also allow educators to role-play different scenarios, improving their ability to respond to diverse classroom situations effectively.Furthermore, virtual simulations create an opportunity for preservice teachers to refine their teaching methods without the fear of making mistakes that could negatively impact actual students (Amichai-Hamburger et al., 2002). These safe-to-fail environments cultivate both confidence and competence, ensuring that future educators are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern, culturally diverse classrooms. These environments foster confidence and competence, ensuring that future educators are better equipped to handle the complexities of modern teaching. As a result, simulations serve as an essential tool for enhancing teacher education worldwide.AI is significantly transforming intercultural education by enhancing students' intercultural communication competence and promoting inclusive learning environments. The strategic integration of AI tools—including sophisticated chatbots, adaptive language learning applications, and culturally responsive digital assistants—facilitates highly personalized learning journeys and authentic cultural interactions, making education more accessible and effective for diverse learners. Additionally, AI-powered cultural simulations provide students with authentic global experiences, fostering deeper understanding and empathy in a rapidly globalizing world. These advancements not only improve communication across cultures but also contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected educational landscape.The TEC center has received multiple recognitions includingThe Minister of Education Prize for a pedagogic initiative that brought about change in teacher education (2013),The Jerusalem Unity Prize in the presence of the President of the State (2018).Most recently one of our guests Dr. Shonfeld received the 2025 Outstanding Service to Digital Equity award at the SITE 2025 Conference in Orlando, Florida.More at: https://mofet-web.macam.ac.il/tec/en/center/About our guestsProf. Miri Shonfeld is Vice President of the International Association of Intercultural Education, IAIE. She is the head of the Technology, Education, and Cultural Diversity (TEC) Center at MOFET Institute and the head of the thesis graduate program in Technology in Education at Kibbutzim College of Education in Tel-Aviv. Her research deals with intercultural education, online learning environments, collaborative work, virtual worlds, AI and faculty development.Dr. Manal Yazbak  Abu Ahmad is a  Senior Lecturer, pedagogical supervisor, former Dean of Student Affairs, ex-department chair in the English Department at Sakhnin Teacher’s College, and a board member of the TEC Center. She has been coordinating TEC International Online Day for the last 6 years. Furthermore, she is an expert in using innovative digital tools in instruction and has been executing collaborative learning strategies in an online multicultural environment for more than 14 years. Her primary research areas are Intercultural Exchanges, Multicultural Education, Changing Attitudes, Intergroup Dialogues, and Online Collaborative Learning.Dr. Wafa Zidan, Head of Digital Teaching and Learning Unit, at The Arab Academic College of Education in Israel-Haifa. She is a Lecturer in the field of ICT, computer science and research methodology, Internship workshop facilitator, a pedagogical trainer at the college, and online course developer.Her research interests are, online teaching, implementing technology in education, developing, and implementing online courses, as well as the in the field of Internship and entry into teaching profession.

In Episode #227, the Silver Lining for Learning Co-hosts reflect on the transformative (and not so transformative) changes in education of the past five years. They will do such pondering with two long-time friends of SLL, David Wiley, one of the founders of the field of open educational resources and innovator in the field of virtual education who presently is Chief Academic Officer at Lumen Learning and Lin Lin Lipsmeyer from Southern Methodist University who researches in the fields of learning sciences, STEM education, artificial intelligence, and innovative and advanced learning technologies. Lin will discuss her new role as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Director/Officer on an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment.David Wiley is the Chief Academic Officer of Lumen Learning. His work and research happen is at the intersection of open educational resources, generative AI, learning analytics, continuous improvement, and professional development. he's one of the founders of the open educational resources (OER) movement. David is also adjunct faculty in Brigham Young University's graduate program in Instructional Psychology and Technology where he was previously a tenured Associate Professor, and Director of The Brad D. Smith Student Incubator in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Marshall University.As an academic, he's been fortunate to receive several recognitions for his work, including an National Science Foundation CAREER grant and appointments as a Nonresident Fellow in the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, a Peery Social Entrepreneurship Research Fellow in the BYU Marriott School of Business, and a Shuttleworth Fellow. As a social entrepreneur, David has founded or co-founded numerous entities including Lumen Learning, Degreed, and Mountain Heights Academy, and was named an Ashoka Fellow. In 2009, Fast Company named me one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business. In my professional community, he was Education Fellow at Creative Commons from 2013 - 2016 and one of the original authors of the CC Certificate Program, as well as President of the international Association for Educational Communications and Technology from 2022 - 2023.David Wiley began my teaching career in 1996 as adjunct faculty at Ashland Community College in Kentucky where I taught Introduction to E-Business. He then taught Advanced Web Techniques as an adjunct in Marshall University's Computer Science Department. And then Educational Psychology at Brigham Young University as a graduate student. Next, David held tenure-track faculty appointments at Utah State University and Brigham Young University, where he taught courses in instructional design, grant writing, open education, social entrepreneurship, social media in education, and other subjects. As an adjunct, he most recently taught IPT 515R, Generative AI for Instructional Designers, at BYU and ENT200h, The Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, at Marshall University during 2024. Find out more about David Wiley at his homepage: https://davidwiley.org/ or contact him directly at: david.wiley@gmail.com.Lin Lin Lipsmeyer is a Professor of Teaching and Learning at the Simmons School of Education & Human Development, Southern Methodist University (SMU, https://www.smu.edu/simmons/about-us/directory/teaching-learning/lipsmeyer). Currently, Dr. Lipsmeyer is serving as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Director/Officer on an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment. Lin earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College Columbia University. Lin’s interdisciplinary research spans between learning sciences, STEM education, artificial intelligence, and innovative technologies. She has co-edited 9 books and reports, authored or co-authored over a hundred refereed journal articles and book chapters, and delivered more than a hundred presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Lipsmeyer has also served as PI or Co-PI on multiple grants. Her leadership roles include department chair, center director, conference president, and program chair. From 2018 to 2024, Lin was the Development Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D), one of the top 20 educational research journals. Her SMU homepage is at: https://www.smu.edu/simmons/about-us/directory/teaching-learning/lipsmeyer and her LinkedIn page is at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lin-lin-professor/. She can be contacted at: llipsmeyer@smu.edu

Celebrating 5 years of Silver Lining for Learning with the hosts: Chris Dede, Curt Bonk, Lydia Cao & Punya Mishra 

Everyday AI is an innovative model for teacher professional development to advance middle and high school teachers’ AI literacy and pedagogical content knowledge in teaching AI in their inclusive classrooms. Everyday AI’s innovation is its three waves of PD: 1) an AI Book Club combined with 2) the authentic learning experience of a summer Practicum and 3) a community practice sustained throughout the academic year through monthly webinars.Participating in Everyday AI helps teachers learn to implement the Developing AI Literacy (DAILy) 2.0 Curriculum (link) in their diverse classrooms, grow comfortable teaching foundational AI topics, and develop a deep understanding of AI concepts including AI ethics and its societal impacts. As teachers reflect on how they would modify the materials to make them more accessible, relevant, inclusive, and equitable for their diverse students, they gain ownership over the material. As teachers complete the program, they return to serve as Facilitators in subsequent years to grow new cohorts of knowledgeable AI teachers.In this episode, we dive deep into the experiences of two teachers who've been on the front lines of integrating artificial intelligence into their classrooms. We hear from Wanda and Racquel about their journey through the Everyday AI teacher professional development program. They will share their insights on everything from the AI Book Club and summer practicum to the rewards of mentoring other teachers and ultimately facilitating the program themselves!  Finally, we'll get a glimpse into their current classroom practices, discovering how they implement the DAILy 2.0 curriculum, address student misconceptions, and create impactful learning experiences. Tune in as we uncover the practical applications and transformative potential of AI in education!About our guests Wanda Jones, Computer Science TeacherWanda Jones is a Computer Science educator with over twenty-four years of secondary and undergraduate teaching experience that incorporates her unique background of computer science, education technology, and computer information system management. Ms. Jones was named one of the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the year 2022 - 2023 and she is currently a National Winner of the 2024 CS Teaching Excellence Award by the Computer Science Teacher Association. Ms. Jones has worked with the Everyday AI project as a piloting teacher as well as a facilitator.Racquel Herring, Robotics & Digital Literacy TeacherRacquel Herring is a Robotics and Digital Literacy educator with over twenty-five years of experience teaching first graders to adults. She has served as a mentor to new and veteran educators through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and Broward County’s New Teacher Academy. Racquel pursues educational experiences that open the world of science and technology to her students. She is one of the initial implementers of the Everyday AI Project.Kate Moore, Research Scientist at the MIT STEP LabKate Moore is a research scientist who studies how to teach middle and high school students about systems and ethics of artificial intelligence and machine learning. She earned her doctoral degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she studied cooperative learning and collaborative problem solving, and worked part-time as a professional development coach for STEM teachers in New York City public schools with the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers (CPET). Before entering the world of research and design, Kate served as a middle school science and special education teacher for 10 years. She has worked in public, independent, and charter schools in New York City NY, Newark NJ, and Pittsburgh PA.

David Crandall is a Luddy Professor of Computer Science specializing in computer vision, and Selma Šabanović is a Professor of Informatics focused on social robotics. They discuss the transformative potential of social robots in elderly care, especially for those with dementia. Key insights include the importance of conversational design in robots, emotional responsiveness, and the collaborative approach needed for effective human-robot interactions. They stress that technology should enhance human connections, enriching lives and supporting caregivers in meaningful ways.

Ashok Goel is a Professor at Georgia Tech and Executive Director of the National AI Institute for Adult Learning, leading innovative research in AI applications for education. Sandeep Kakar contributes as a Research Scientist, focusing on the Jill Watson project, a virtual teaching assistant utilizing AI for enhanced student support. Kristy Singletary, Dean at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, discusses the democratization of education through AI. They explore Jill Watson's impact in online learning, AI's evolving role in teaching, and the importance of integrating AI to improve accessibility and engagement.

In this insightful discussion, Michael Berardino, a Senior Research Analyst at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, and Steven Weiner, a fellow Research Analyst, dive into the critical intersection of AI and education. They explore how school districts are navigating AI adoption while addressing the urgent need for teacher preparedness. Their research highlights gaps in AI training for future educators and showcases innovative strategies from early adopters. The conversation also touches on policy implications and the importance of equity in educational technology.

Christina Bosch, a research scientist at MIT's Teacher Education Lab, discusses innovative AI initiatives like Collaborative AI for Learning (CAIL) and Responsible AI for Computational Action (RAICA). She highlights how a conversational agent named Oscar enhances collaborative learning in classrooms, promoting deeper engagement among students. Christina also addresses the ethical implications of AI in education and stresses the importance of customizing tech to meet diverse learning needs. Tune in for insights into balancing innovation with traditional educational practices!

Workforce Development through the Technical College System of George with Dr. Andrea Daniel - President Athens Technical College; Adie Shimandle, Executive Director - the Technical College Directors Association of Georgia; and Tammy Bryant - Director of Curriculum for Allied HealthThe Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is the backbone of workforce development in Georgia, serving every corner of the state through 22 colleges and 88 campuses. TCSG delivers high -quality education and careers that empowers Georgians with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for success in high-demand professional and emerging fields. From innovative programs in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity to robust partnerships with industries statewide, TCSG is preparing Georgia’s workforce for the jobs of the future. Each year, TCSG serves more than 500,000 Georgians through its technical education, adult education, and customized workforce training programs.Georgia has been named the #1 state for business for 11 consecutive years by Area Development magazine, and TCSG plays a critical role in earning and sustaining this recognition. With affordable tuition, cutting-edge programs, and a strong emphasis on experiential learning, TCSG ensures that education and career advancement are accessible to all. The system has experienced significant enrollment growth in recent years and had the highest number of graduates in its history in 2024. Beyond technical programs, TCSG leads the state in adult education, high school equivalency initiatives, and workforce training for business and industry, cementing its role as a vital force in Georgia’s economy.Areas of interest  for the Podcast and the individual most knowledgeable in that area:Georgia Match - Dr. DanielGEORGIA MATCH is a workforce initiative created by Governor Kemp, and championed by Chancellor Perdue, Commissioner Dozier, and State School Superintendent Woods.Direct Admissions initiative - letter to every public and private high school senior. The letter identifies all the TCSG & USG colleges that the student is academically qualified to attend based on their HOPE GPA.Articulation Agreements ) Tammy Bryant  28 TCSG courses transfer to University System of Georgia Colleges (USG)894 one-to-one articulation agreementsNursing  programs and their articulation agreementsCareer Plus  -  Dr. DanielCareer Plus is a high school diploma program (vs. high school equivalent program) for students 21 years old and older.Students must complete nine high school core courses plus either a two-TCC pathway, a diploma, or an associate degreeDual Achievement and Dual Enrollment – Dr. DanielStudents will graduate high school with a high school diploma and college credentials. Students must earn either two Technical Certificates of Credit or a Diploma or an associate degreeBe between the ages of 16-21Student is not considered a drop-out from their high schoolGeorgia Quick Start – A highly accomplished department of the Technical College System of Georgia  -    (All)#1 Workforce Training Program in the country for 15 years, per Area Development MagazineProvides FREE workforce training for companies moving to Georgia or expanding operations in GeorgiaWorksource Georgia – Dr. DanielProvides workforce development and career services to more than 196,000 GeorgiansLaunched an online labor exchange portal that connects employers with job seekers. worksourcegaportal.comLeadership through Local Board of Directors - Adie ShimandleNational Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence institute in Adult Learning and Online Education Program– Adie Shimandle11 colleges participating in the ALOE Fellowship programEpisode GuestsDr. Andrea Daniel President Athens Technical CollegeDr. Andrea Daniel currently serves as the President at Athens Technical College. She has served the College for over 27 years. Dr. Daniel began her career working in the office of Senator Sam Nunn and supported the work of the Armed Services Committee. Dr. Daniel previously worked as a senior planning analyst for the Atlanta Regional Commission on projects such as the Outer Loop Study, Vision 2020 Education Stakeholder Committee, planning and zoning studies, and Olympic Transportation Planning.Dr. Daniel has completed the Executive Leadership Academy of the Technical College System of Georgia, and she is a graduate of L.E.A.D. Athens Class of 2008. She has also successfully completed the Georgia Tech Annual Basic Economic Development Course, and the Georgia Regional Academy for Economic Development Essentials of Economic Development course. In January 2020, Dr. Daniel was elected and nominated by a group of her peers to serve on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees. For her efforts in demonstrating excellence, creativity and success in business and furthering the goals for other professional women, Dr. Daniel was presented the Athena Award in February 2020. In November 2020, Dr. Daniel received the Elbert County Native Citizen Award during the annual meeting of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Daniel has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lander University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia, and a doctorate in Business Administration specializing in organizational leadership from Northcentral UniversityAdie Eleaze Shimandle: Executive Director of the Technical College Directors' Association of GeorgiaMs. Shimandle is the Executive Director of the Technical College Directors' Association of Georgia (TCDA) under the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this role, she oversees education and certification programs for local boards of directors across Georgia's 22 technical colleges and has trained and certified more than 600 local board members.  She spearheaded the creation of TECH Talks, an initiative technical showcase of pioneering entrepreneurs in disruptive technologies and co-host of the Technical College System of Georgia Statewide Leadership Conference. These explosive new technologies and innovations are driving Georgia's industries and workforce. In addition to her work with TCDA, Ms. Shimandle actively advocates for technological advancements, serving as an ambassador to Georgia legislators, locally and at the federal level, and engaging in discussions on transformative innovations that enhance education and industry.Ms. Shimandle has held senior level position in marketing, business analyst, project management and education. She is a graduate of Leadership North Fulton, created the Community Partner's Fair for the Taste of Alpharetta, Georgia, former member of Habitat for Humanity North Fulton and provided computers underserved students in the Norcross, Ga area. She was inducted into Marquis Who's Who in 2024 and recently was honored to be named the recipient of Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award December 2024.  She will appear in the 2025 edition of Who's Who in America.Ms. Shimandle earned an Associates of Science in Education from Manatee Junior Collee (now the State College of Florida),  then earning a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Psychology, Training, and Technology at the University of Georgia, where she achieved academic distinction and was recognized for her leadership and scholastic excellence as a straight "A" student. She was honored to be selected as one of two graduating seniors to give the graduation speech at a UGA satellite campus.  She is a founding member of the National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (ALOE), and currently resides on the executive board assisting researchers with ongoing data and advice on adult learners.Tammy Bryant, MSN, RN, Director of Curriculum for Allied Health at TCSGTammy earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Brenau University and a Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Her first career was that of a Labor and Delivery Nurse in the Atlanta area. She then started as a nurse educator with the Technical College System of Georgia at Southern Regional Technical College (SRtC) in 1994 as a full-time instructor in the LPN Program; as she continued her educational journey she developed one of the first Gerontology Diploma Programs for the Technical College System, served as instructor, and program chair for the ASN program from 2010-2022. In 2023, she served as Dean of Nursing for SRTC from June – January of 2023.   Most recently in January 2023, she accepted the position within the Technical College System as Executive Director of Health Initiatives.Tammy received the Southern Regional Technical College’s Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction twice while teaching. She has served as a member of the Nursing Education Committee for the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Steering Committee for the Inaugural Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing - Nursing Education Accreditation Conference.  She was appointed to the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) in 2017 and reappointed in 2021 and served as the President of the GBON for 2 years.Additionally, she is active in her community where she has served as a Board Member for the Lives without Limits non-profit organization, a member of Thomasville Health Department Committee, as well as a Member of the Georgia Association of Nursing Deans and Directors.  Tammy and her husband, Danny, have one daughter and live in Thomasville.