About Diana Fordham

Diana Fordham: Bridging History & Innovation

Instructional Designer | History Faculty | Committed AI Optimist

Welcome to my professional space! I am a passionate educator and innovator dedicated to the evolution of higher education. With dual Master’s degrees in History and Instructional Design for Online Learning, I focus on the intersection of academic tradition and the cutting-edge technology defining our future.

My approach is grounded in a philosophy of Skeptical Optimism: I spend dedicated time each week actively analyzing generative AI to understand its mechanics, its flaws, and its immense potential to enrich the academic journey. Today, I revel in the synergy of my dual qualifications—crafting history courses that are not only informative but deeply engaging, thanks to the integration of progressive learning theories and emergent tech.

Honors & Recognition

• Social Learning Innovator Award (2024): Awarded by Hypothesis for excellence in social annotation and OER innovation.

• Outstanding Faculty Award (2010): Recognized for exceptional commitment to teaching and student success.

• MSSU Staff Senate Service Champ (2025): Honored for institutional dedication and faculty support.

The AI Frontier: Insights & Applications

I have delivered 37+ presentations on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, focusing on practical methodologies that maintain academic rigor while empowering students.

Understanding the RAG Revolution

The most significant development for faculty today is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). These "source-grounded" tools allow AI to prioritize your specific course materials, reducing hallucinations and ensuring accuracy.

Core Methodologies

• The AI Persona Method: Teaching students to utilize AI as a "digital peer" for collaboration rather than a replacement for critical thinking.

• AI-Resistant Assessments: Moving toward reflective, authentic assignments that require personal application—valuing the unique human perspective that AI cannot replicate.

• Favorite Courses using AI: Applying a historian’s lens to modern technology, specializing in the 1960s, The Middle East, and the evolution of Western Civilization.

"We aren't just teaching with AI; we are teaching students how to navigate a world where AI is a permanent collaborator. Transparency and thoughtful integration are the new standards for excellence."