Dr. Bridget Prichard prepares future educators for an AI world 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing how we do many things today, and education is no exception.  

Morehead State University Instructional Designer Dr. Bridget Prichard is like many people figuring out ways to incorporate this innovative technology into her field, and she sees promise for its use in the classroom.  

"Over time, as I began working with AI tools more frequently, I realized just how powerful they can be when used properly," Prichard said. "AI has helped me become more efficient in my work and encouraged me to think more creatively. While there are still ethical considerations to navigate, I now see AI as an essential tool that, when used correctly, can enhance both teaching and learning."  

When she is not training professors and instructors at MSU, Prichard is going the extra mile to explore AI in education. She is developing ways to maximize its potential impact on student learning, which has resulted in her work being featured internationally. Anthology, a leading educational technology company for learning and teaching in higher education, selected Prichard to speak at its 2024 Anthology Together Conference. This annual event brings educators and technology experts together to explore the latest trends and tools in the field.  

Before presenting at international conferences, the Ashland native's journey to her current role at MSU was unconventional. While she discovered an early interest in educational technology by watching her big brother, Phillip, work as the CIO of Greenup County Schools, Prichard initially went to college for occupational therapy before pursuing a career in education. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Liberty University (LU), she later earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2021), a Doctor of Education in Educational/Instructional Technology (2023) and a Certificate of Higher Education/Higher Education Administration (2024) from the institution. She spent three years working at Rose Hill Christian School in Ashland from 2019 to 2022 as the STEM teacher and later director of technology.  

After completing her master's degree and being accepted into LU's doctoral program, she decided to pursue opportunities more aligned with her passion for instructional design. This led to her accepting a full-time position at MSU as an instructional designer in the fall of 2022.  

Prichard said her favorite part of working at MSU is working with students, getting to know them personally and hearing their unique stories.  

"I enjoy interacting with them at campus events, and my son, Ryder, and I often visit the campus for dinner," she said. "It's always a highlight for him to engage with the college students, and these experiences help foster a love for learning and being part of the MSU community."  

Prichard's background as an educator and instructional designer, combined with her experiences as a parent, led her to develop an AI integration framework called the CLAIM method. She introduced it at the Anthology Together Conference through two presentations that focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education.  

"I believe AI will drastically reshape education, much like the internet did when it was first introduced... Just as the internet opened up new opportunities and increased accessibility in education, I believe AI will eventually do the same," she said. "For younger students, AI can foster creativity and facilitate personalized learning, as I've seen with my five-year-old son, Ryder. For example, we used ChatGPT to help him create images for a story he was working on. I guided him through the process of prompting the tool, which sparked great conversations about how AI works. In higher education, AI can support research and analysis, allowing students to deepen their understanding and expand their creative potential."  

Prichard said she was honored to share her experience and outlook on AI with an international audience. She looks forward to working with her students on utilizing AI in her classrooms. She said representing MSU at this level was an honor and speaks to the education students can receive as an Eagle.  

"This recognition showcases that good things come from rural Appalachia. It highlights the innovation, leadership, and determination of the MSU community," Prichard said. "Our programs empower educators and students alike to push boundaries and make a global impact. MSU is a place where dreams can become reality, and we have the potential to be leaders in the ever-evolving world of education and technology. It's a testament to the strength of our programs and our ability to contribute to the future of education on a global scale."  

Dr. Bridget Prichard can be reached at b.prichard@moreheadstate.edu. 

To learn more about Instructional Technology at MSU, email blackboard@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2140.