Notable Lessons from Exploring AI Modalities in Higher Education

As artificial intelligence moves beyond the screen into wearables, audio agents, AR/VR, and ambient systems, higher education faces new pedagogical, ethical, and institutional questions. In this session, Dr. Becky Lane introduces Cornell University’s AI Modalities Initiative (AIM)—an interdisciplinary, evolving effort within the Center for Teaching Innovation that explores how AI modality, embodiment, and form factor shape learning and human experience.

Drawing on early-stage pilots, student-led projects, exploratory industry partnerships, and emerging research, the talk focuses on what institutions are learning so far—including open questions, design challenges, and initial insights. Participants will gain a framework for approaching multimodal AI experimentation thoughtfully, responsibly, and in ways that can inform future teaching, research, and policy development.