San Juan College Honors John Fisher with 2024-25 Distinguished Teaching Chair.
The San Juan College Foundation proudly announces that John Fisher, Professor of English at San Juan College (SJC), has been named a Distinguished Teaching Chair (DTC) for the 2024-25 academic year. This prestigious recognition is awarded to educators who enhance student learning and demonstrate teaching excellence through innovative projects or programs.
Distinguished Teaching Chair: A Commitment to Innovation
The DTC program at San Juan College celebrates projects that bring new and creative approaches to education. These projects fall into four categories: Native American Student Success, Health Sciences, Literacy and Math Competency, and General. Fisher's project, titled How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI, Maybe, received accolades in the Literacy and Math Competency category.
Exploring AI in Education: Fisher’s Vision for the Future
Fisher’s project stems from his experience at a workshop focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the classroom. Inspired by technology enthusiasts who champion the disruptive potential of AI, Fisher aims to address the unresolved questions surrounding AI in higher education. His project seeks to create a framework for SJC instructors to thoughtfully incorporate AI into their course design and instruction.
Navigating the AI Spectrum: Closed vs. Open Classrooms
Fisher envisions a spectrum of AI integration in the classroom, ranging from completely closed—where AI is forbidden—to completely open—where AI use is encouraged. His project will explore the possibilities within this spectrum and provide practical tools for faculty to determine how best to integrate AI into their curriculum.
Leading the Charge: Fisher’s Role in Shaping the Future of Education
As a Distinguished Teaching Chair, Fisher will lead efforts to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly large language models. He is committed to helping educators adapt to this rapidly changing technology landscape, ensuring that they continue to serve students effectively.
About John Fisher
John Fisher has been a dedicated educator at San Juan College since 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UC Santa Cruz and a Master’s in English Composition and Reading from San Francisco State University. In 2017, he completed a previous Distinguished Teaching Chair focused on accelerating student progress through developmental education.
