PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 14, 2025--
Researchers from the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) presented “Transforming Higher Education: Harnessing Generative AI for Student Engagement” at the 2025 Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) International Convention in Las Vegas. Presenters Jessica Sylvester, Ed.D.,, and Melinda Kulick, Ed.D., are both research fellows in CEITR and reported results from a mixed-methods study exploring adult online learners’ use of AI tools, confidence, and outcomes.
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“Adult learners are telling us they don’t want shortcuts—they want scaffolds,” said Sylvester. “With the right guardrails and coaching, generative AI can support autonomy, confidence, and deeper engagement.”
During their session, the team shared findings from their study:
“Leaders can close equity gaps by pairing access to AI with explicit teaching of ethical use and academic voice,” stated Kulick. “That’s how we move from fear to thoughtful adoption.”
About the Presenters
Jessica Sylvester, Ed.D., serves as Senior Manager of College Operations and associate faculty at University of Phoenix, and is a research fellow with the CEITR. She is a higher education leader with 18+ years of experience focused on student success and operational excellence.
Melinda Kulick, Ed.D., serves as Assessment Manager at the University, as associate faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies and a CEITR research fellow. She holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership, M.S. in Multimedia Technology, and B.S. in Business Management, with teaching certifications in K–12 Business, Computer and Information Technology (BCIT), and Computer Science Education.
The work aligns with the University’s CEITR research labs and AI in Education research agenda to enhance learning experiences, personalization, and data-informed teaching.
The AECT International Convention brings together educational practitioners and researchers for the exchange and dissemination of instructional design scholarship and practice. Sylvester and Kulick’s research findings will appear in a forthcoming proceedings issue of AECT’s Journal of Applied Instructional Design.
About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix’sCollege of Doctoral Studiesfocuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
Jessica Sylvester, Ed.D., left, senior manager of college operations and associate faculty at University of Phoenix, and Melinda Kulick, Ed.D., assessment manager and associate faculty, present findings from a mixed-methods study on adult online learners’ use of AI tools during the Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Convention in Las Vegas. Both are research fellows with the University’s Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research. Their session, “Transforming Higher Education: Harnessing Generative AI for Student Engagement,” explored confidence and outcomes among learners.
In a matter of hours Sunday, what had appeared to be a year no teams with losing records would be needed to fill out the bowl schedule suddenly changed when Notre Dame, Iowa State and Kansas State announced they would decline bids despite being eligible.
There are 41 bowls this year, and 82 teams won the necessary six games to be eligible. But Iowa State and Kansas State teams going through coaching changes almost simultaneously said they were hanging up their cleats for the season. Notre Dame, the first team left out of the College Football Playoff, followed a few hours later.
Mississippi State and Rice, both 5-7, swooped in to accept bids because they were among the first in line based on their Academic Progress Rate. The Bulldogs will play Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Owls will face Texas State in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Birmingham Bowl was still searching Sunday evening for an opponent to play Georgia Southern, according to On3.
Iowa State, Kansas State and Notre Dame weren't going to play in any of those lower-level bowls, but their decisions altered the order of selections and presumably allowed three lesser teams to move up and bowls at the bottom to scramble.
Notre Dame's decision to shut down for the year came after it was announced as the first team left out of the playoff.
“As a team, we've decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season,” the Fighting Irish said in a statement on social media. “We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we're hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026.”
Notre Dame won its last 10 games following a three-point loss to Miami and a one-point loss to Texas A&M. The Fighting Irish, which lost to Ohio State in the national championship game last season, finished 10-2 and ranked No. 9 on Sunday in The Associated Press poll and No. 11 in the CFP rankings.
Miami got into the playoff as an at-large selection after moving from No. 12 to No. 10 in the final rankings. Notre Dame dropped a spot and will now stay home for the postseason for the first time since 2016.
The Big 12 Conference said it will fine Iowa State and Kansas State $500,000 each for opting out of bowl participation. Both schools are going through coaching transitions with Matt Campbell leaving Iowa State for Penn State and Chris Klieman announcing his retirement.
“While the conference acknowledges the difficult timing around coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners,” the Big 12 said in a statement.
Iowa State announced its players voted to not play in a bowl because the team doesn't have healthy players to safety practice and play. ISU did not mention the coaching change from Campbell to Jimmy Rogers in its statement.
The Cyclones sustained numerous injuries this season while going 8-4, and members of the athletics administration and the previous coaching staff met Sunday with the players to gauge their interest in a bowl.
“The administrative staff and coaches respect and support the players decision,” athletic director Jamie Pollard said. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season and we are grateful for their leadership as we worked through this process with them today.”
K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said he had conversations with players and Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark before deciding to decline a bowl bid. The Wildcats were 6-6 after beating Colorado at home in their final home game.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but with our coaching staff transition and several uncertainties regarding player availability, I felt it was not in our best interest to try to field a team that was not representative of Kansas State University," Taylor said. "We applaud this group for fighting back from a 2-4 record to lead us to bowl eligibility yet again, and we are happy that our seniors were able to go out on top with a victory inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.”
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Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass against the Oklahoma State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Gerald Leong)
