In this second installment of our three-part series, we explore the complex world of AI-powered mental health support and its implications for students. We continue the conversation with Becky and Kate as they examine the growing trend of students turning to AI chatbots for mental health assistance.This episode tackles critical questions about the 24/7 availability of AI mental health tools versus the irreplaceable value of human therapeutic relationships. Our guests explore concerning scenarios around crisis intervention, discussing what happens when a student expresses suicidal ideation to a chatbot that cannot call emergency services or provide human follow-up care.Part 2, key topics include:<ul><li>The therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of effective mental health treatment</li><li>Safety concerns and the need for human oversight in AI mental health tools</li><li>How AI dependency could exacerbate social isolation and decision-making challenges</li><li>Essential guardrails including informed consent, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance</li><li>Ethical considerations and liability issues for institutions</li></ul>Faculty contact information: University of Delaware Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu Human Services &amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of Delaware Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this second installment of our three-part series, we explore the complex world of AI-powered mental health support and its implications for students. We continue the conversation with Becky and Kate as they examine the growing trend of students turning to AI chatbots for mental health assistance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode tackles critical questions about the 24/7 availability of AI mental health tools versus the irreplaceable value of human therapeutic relationships. Our guests explore concerning scenarios around crisis intervention, discussing what happens when a student expresses suicidal ideation to a chatbot that cannot call emergency services or provide human follow-up care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Part 2, key topics include:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of effective mental health treatment&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Safety concerns and the need for human oversight in AI mental health tools&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How AI dependency could exacerbate social isolation and decision-making challenges&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Essential guardrails including informed consent, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ethical considerations and liability issues for institutions&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Faculty contact information:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Human Services &amp;amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this second installment of our three-part series, we explore the complex world of AI-powered mental health support and its implications for students. We continue the conversation with Becky and Kate as they examine the growing trend of students turning to AI chatbots for mental health assistance. This episode tackles critical questions about the 24/7 availability of AI mental health tools versus the irreplaceable value of human therapeutic relationships. Our guests explore concerning scena...

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: The Chatbot Dilemma: Technology Meets Mental Health, Part 2

In this three-part series, host Lauren Kelley joins mental health experts to examine the evolving landscape of student mental health support in higher education, with a particular focus on the emerging role of AI-powered tools. The conversation begins by exploring how campus mental health conversations have transformed, addressing faculty misconceptions and establishing appropriate boundaries for educator involvement in student wellbeing. The experts provide concrete, actionable strategies faculty can implement immediately to recognize warning signs, create supportive classroom environments, and balance academic standards with mental health accommodations.  In this opening episode, explore the dramatic shift in campus mental health needs and faculty awareness with host Lauren Kelley as she welcomes Becky Wilson, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator of Undergraduate Human Services at the University of Delaware, and Dr. Kate Riera, Assistant Professor in the Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences.Part 1, key topics include:<ul><li>The evolution of mental health conversations on campus</li><li>Breaking down stigma and the role of social media</li><li>Common faculty misconceptions about student mental health</li></ul>Whether you&apos;re a faculty member, administrator, or student services professional, this episode provides essential context for understanding today&apos;s mental health landscape in higher education.Faculty contact information: University of Delaware Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu Human Services &amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of Delaware Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu Assistant Professor, Human Services | Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this three-part series, host Lauren Kelley joins mental health experts to examine the evolving landscape of student mental health support in higher education, with a particular focus on the emerging role of AI-powered tools. The conversation begins by exploring how campus mental health conversations have transformed, addressing faculty misconceptions and establishing appropriate boundaries for educator involvement in student wellbeing. The experts provide concrete, actionable strategies faculty can implement immediately to recognize warning signs, create supportive classroom environments, and balance academic standards with mental health accommodations. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this opening episode, explore the dramatic shift in campus mental health needs and faculty awareness with host Lauren Kelley as she welcomes Becky Wilson, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator of Undergraduate Human Services at the University of Delaware, and Dr. Kate Riera, Assistant Professor in the Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Part 1, key topics include:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The evolution of mental health conversations on campus&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Breaking down stigma and the role of social media&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Common faculty misconceptions about student mental health&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re a faculty member, administrator, or student services professional, this episode provides essential context for understanding today&amp;apos;s mental health landscape in higher education.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Faculty contact information:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Human Services &amp;amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Assistant Professor, Human Services | Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this three-part series, host Lauren Kelley joins mental health experts to examine the evolving landscape of student mental health support in higher education, with a particular focus on the emerging role of AI-powered tools. The conversation begins by exploring how campus mental health conversations have transformed, addressing faculty misconceptions and establishing appropriate boundaries for educator involvement in student wellbeing. The experts provide concrete, actionable strategies fa...

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: Breaking Down the Stigma: Mental Health on Campus Today, Part 1

In this final episode of our three-part series, we turn theory into practice with concrete strategies faculty can implement immediately to support student mental health. My guests wrap up this episode as they share actionable techniques for recognizing warning signs and creating supportive classroom environments. This episode  also provides guidance for identifying students in distress. This final portion of our conversation tackles the delicate balance between maintaining educational standards and providing mental health accommodation, offering practical solutions like universal design approaches that benefit all students. Part 3, key topics include:<ul><li>Observable warning signs of student mental health distress</li><li>Balancing academic rigor with mental health accommodation</li><li>Universal design strategies that support all students</li><li>Creative approaches to regular student wellness check-ins</li><li>Future visions for integrating technology with human-centered care</li></ul>Faculty contact information: University of Delaware Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu Human Services &amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of Delaware Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this final episode of our three-part series, we turn theory into practice with concrete strategies faculty can implement immediately to support student mental health. My guests wrap up this episode as they share actionable techniques for recognizing warning signs and creating supportive classroom environments. This episode  also provides guidance for identifying students in distress. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This final portion of our conversation tackles the delicate balance between maintaining educational standards and providing mental health accommodation, offering practical solutions like universal design approaches that benefit all students. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Part 3, key topics include:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Observable warning signs of student mental health distress&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Balancing academic rigor with mental health accommodation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Universal design strategies that support all students&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Creative approaches to regular student wellness check-ins&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Future visions for integrating technology with human-centered care&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Faculty contact information:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Human Services &amp;amp; Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;University of Delaware&lt;br/&gt;Dr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.edu&lt;br/&gt;Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this final episode of our three-part series, we turn theory into practice with concrete strategies faculty can implement immediately to support student mental health. My guests wrap up this episode as they share actionable techniques for recognizing warning signs and creating supportive classroom environments. This episode  also provides guidance for identifying students in distress.  This final portion of our conversation tackles the delicate balance between maintaining educatio...

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: Practical Tools for Supporting Students in Distress, Part 3

In the first part of this podcast episode, Mathieu Plourde reflects on the impact of generative AI on higher education. Mathieu shares his extensive background in instructional design and educational technology, highlighting his work at the University of Delaware as well as his current institution, in the College of Business at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid adoption of AI tools, comparing it to the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathieu emphasizes the need for academia to balance innovation with careful consideration, noting that institutions are designed to be resilient and deliberate in their adoption of new technologies. He also discusses the polarized opinions among faculty regarding AI, the increased ease of cheating, and the importance of maintaining academic integrity. The discussion underscores the role of instructional designers in guiding faculty through these changes and the potential for AI to enhance, rather than replace, the human elements of teaching and learning.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In the first part of this podcast episode, Mathieu Plourde reflects on the impact of generative AI on higher education. Mathieu shares his extensive background in instructional design and educational technology, highlighting his work at the University of Delaware as well as his current institution, in the College of Business at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid adoption of AI tools, comparing it to the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathieu emphasizes the need for academia to balance innovation with careful consideration, noting that institutions are designed to be resilient and deliberate in their adoption of new technologies. He also discusses the polarized opinions among faculty regarding AI, the increased ease of cheating, and the importance of maintaining academic integrity. The discussion underscores the role of instructional designers in guiding faculty through these changes and the potential for AI to enhance, rather than replace, the human elements of teaching and learning.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In the first part of this podcast episode, Mathieu Plourde reflects on the impact of generative AI on higher education. Mathieu shares his extensive background in instructional design and educational technology, highlighting his work at the University of Delaware as well as his current institution, in the College of Business at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid adoption of AI tools, comparing it to the ...

S6E1: AI, Ethics, and Learning: A Candid Conversation, Part 1

In the second part of the podcast episode, Mathieu discusses the current AI-driven initiatives at his institution. The focus is primarily on raising awareness among faculty members about AI&apos;s potential. Faculty members are exploring small-scale projects like voice cloning and AI text-to-speech tools to enhance productivity in creating lecture videos. Additionally, there are discussions about developing AI agents to provide students with preliminary feedback on their work, ensuring they meet assignment guidelines before submission. The institution is also conducting training sessions and workshops to educate faculty on the impact of AI, both in terms of academic integrity and practical classroom applications. Larger AI projects funded by university grants are in the pipeline, although the institution is still in the early stages of integrating these technologies comprehensively. The overall goal is to build a supportive environment where faculty can experiment with AI tools and understand their implications for teaching and learning. Tools referenced in this episode by Mathieu:<ul><li><a href='https://suno.com/'>Suno</a></li><li><a href='https://ideogram.ai/login'>Ideogram</a></li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In the second part of the podcast episode, Mathieu discusses the current AI-driven initiatives at his institution. The focus is primarily on raising awareness among faculty members about AI&amp;apos;s potential. Faculty members are exploring small-scale projects like voice cloning and AI text-to-speech tools to enhance productivity in creating lecture videos. Additionally, there are discussions about developing AI agents to provide students with preliminary feedback on their work, ensuring they meet assignment guidelines before submission. The institution is also conducting training sessions and workshops to educate faculty on the impact of AI, both in terms of academic integrity and practical classroom applications. Larger AI projects funded by university grants are in the pipeline, although the institution is still in the early stages of integrating these technologies comprehensively. The overall goal is to build a supportive environment where faculty can experiment with AI tools and understand their implications for teaching and learning.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Tools referenced in this episode by Mathieu:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://suno.com/'&gt;Suno&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href='https://ideogram.ai/login'&gt;Ideogram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

In the second part of the podcast episode, Mathieu discusses the current AI-driven initiatives at his institution. The focus is primarily on raising awareness among faculty members about AI's potential. Faculty members are exploring small-scale projects like voice cloning and AI text-to-speech tools to enhance productivity in creating lecture videos. Additionally, there are discussions about developing AI agents to provide students with preliminary feedback on their work, ensuring they meet a...

S6E1: AI, Ethics, and Learning: A Candid Conversation, Part 2

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