NCCC AFA Association

On behalf of the AFA Association Board of Directors, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made our 2026 conference, “Convergence: Where Art Meets Pedagogy,” such a resounding success.

We’re rolling along here at Convergence: Where Art Meets Pedagogy!

Are you ready to explore the complex world of AI through the power of play? Join H. Blake-Lee, Art & Design Librarian at UNC Greensboro, for a hands-on session at the upcoming NCCC AFA Association conference, “Convergence: Where Arts Meets Pedagogy.”

This isn’t just a lecture—it’s an interactive, image-based card game designed to spark deep conversation about AI in learning spaces. Using a mix of AI-generated and non-AI visuals, Blake-Lee will facilitate collaborative gameplay that encourages participants to tackle themes like fear, uncertainty, and accessibility head-on.

Why attend this workshop?

Build Empathy: Practice critical thinking and visual analysis to see AI through diverse perspectives.

Social Connection: Discover how gameplay fosters meaningful dialogue and community in educational settings.

Innovative Research: Engage with a unique method developed from original AI research and contribute your own feedback to future studies.

Step into a welcoming environment where you can share your interpretations and gain a deeper understanding of how AI is truly perceived by students and faculty alike.

HigherEd VisualAnalysis

We are excited to highlight an essential workshop at the upcoming NCCC AFA Association conference, “Convergence: Where Arts Meets Pedagogy.” Join Dr. Marian Taylor Brown, Assistant Professor of Arts Administration at UNC-Greensboro, for her session: “Scaffolding Creative Innovation for Neurodiverse Learners.”

It’s well-known that the arts attract a significant number of neurodiverse students—a true asset for creativity and innovation. This session directly addresses how educators can provide stronger scaffolding to ensure every learner thrives.

What you’ll explore:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A practical framework for creating effective and inclusive pedagogies.

Creative Risk-Taking: Strategies to encourage innovation while supporting diverse learning styles.

Core Principles: Centering agency, self-autonomy, collective care, culturally responsive pedagogy, and creative justice.

Alternative Grading: Discussing methods like specifications grading to meet evolving student populations.

Participants will gain exposure to UDL resources, build knowledge on neurodiverse learning trends in higher education, and practice tangible strategies for their classrooms. Let’s work together to build a supportive community of practice for this vital work!

We are thrilled to announce that Maggie Flanigan, Bobby Hamby, and James Manos will be presenting at the upcoming NCCC AFA Association conference, “Convergence: Where Arts Meets Pedagogy.”

Their session, “Teaching Across Disciplines with AI: Iteration & Integrity,” moves beyond the typical hype of “efficiency” to explore AI as a true partner in the creative and academic process.

What to expect:

A Cross-Disciplinary Approach: Insights from the worlds of Art, Philosophy, and Psychology.
AI as a Co-Thinker: Moving from “doing more faster” to deep, iterative learning.

Integrity-First Pedagogy: Shifting the focus from final outcomes to the ethics of the process—identifying blind spots and engaging in critical reflection.

Join us to discover how students and faculty can move fluidly between creative exploration and ethical questioning. Let’s stop asking what AI can do and start asking how we should use it responsibly, transparently, and creatively.

REGISTER TODAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-nccc-afa-association-conference-tickets-1647555776679

ArtAndPedagogy TeachingWithAI

Join us in welcoming AFA Association member Aaron Bernard to the Convergence: Where Art Meets Pedagogy 2026 conference!

Aaron’s fascinating work investigates how authorship and agency are reshaped by algorithms and data-driven systems in contemporary visual culture. We can’t wait to learn from him!

We are giving away exclusive admission fee waivers to adjunct professors across North Carolina Community Colleges. Experience a day of inspiration at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh on us.

How it works: Recipients are selected via a random drawing. If selected, you will be notified via email to confirm your attendance.

The Details: The waiver covers your entire admission fee. Attendees remain responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements.

Don’t miss out—entries close January 23!

Sign up today at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QGWLMPX