NEXUS

Photo credit: Rina Deshpande, 2026 I recently attended the NYU TeachTalk, Device-Free Classrooms to Cultivate Connection and Promote Presence. As I entered the NYU CTL Cornerstone, greeters directed us to sign in and enjoy NYU Teacher Appreciation Week refreshments and gifts, including pens and notebooks. There was an enjoyable hum of conversation. I introduced myself to the professor seated next to me. “We are proud to host and welcome you to our first in-person TeachTalk. N

Image credit: Google Nanobanana, 2026 As a learning designer it is important to stay on the cutting edge of learning strategies and educational technology to support effective teaching practices. Concurrently as a part-time graduate student, I try out Generative AI (GenAI) tools to enhance my own learning. A guiding question I keep in mind is: “How can this tool enhance (1) retention, (2) analysis and critical thinking skills, and (3) applied learning?” Here are three quic