Dr. Jessica Sylvester and Dr. Melinda Kulick share findings on when and how students use generative AI tools, and how faculty and leaders can support ethical, effective learning

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.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114613770/en/

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.

“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:

• Mirrored on a demographic composition of adult learners in online higher ed, the team’s analysis of 491 students found that higher GPA and stronger technology confidence were significantly associated with more frequent GenAI use.
• Time constraints and self-ratings in writing, math, and reading were not significant predictors.
• Thematic insights described GenAI as a “thinking partner” that helps learners clarify concepts and boost productivity—tempered by concerns about accuracy, academic voice, and policy clarity.
• Recommendations included clear institutional policies, faculty development, assignment designs that require reflection and critique of AI output, and embedded AI literacy.

“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’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114613770/en/