Dr. Helen Crompton, Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University
On Thursday, November 13, Hampton Roads Academy will welcome world-renowned educational technology expert Dr. Helen Crompton, who will share her insights on the role of AI in schools as part of our At the Helm speaker series. The talk, to be held on HRA’s campus at 6:00 pm, is free and open to the public and will be live streamed.
At the Helm provides a dynamic platform for thought-provoking conversations that apply not only to HRA, but also to the wider community. Connecting attendees with insights, resources, and expertise, the series reflects HRA’s broader impact as a local center of learning and excellence.
The inaugural session of At the Helm, held in January 2025, featured deans, directors, and vice presidents of admissions at regional institutions who helped demystify the college admissions process for families throughout Hampton Roads.
November’s presentation will tackle a topic that is no less pressing in the minds of students and parents: the evolving reality of AI. Dr. Crompton’s talk will offer a grounded, practical look at this technology’s impact and applications in education and everyday life. Participants will not only learn about the potential risks of AI use, but also gain insight into emerging tools, ethical considerations, and strategies for using AI to support learning, creativity, and well-being both at home and at school.
Holding a Ph.D. in educational technology and mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Crompton currently serves as the Executive Director of the Research Institute for Digital Innovation in Learning and Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University. She has published over 250 papers and garnered numerous accolades for her work on AI and technology integration. Her contributions to her discipline have earned her the SCHEV award for the Outstanding Professor of Virginia and a place on Stanford’s esteemed list of the Top 2% of Scientists in the World.
Dr. Crompton’s expertise extends beyond academia to international educational policy. She frequently serves as a consultant for various governments, as well as bilateral and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, leveraging her knowledge and experience to drive meaningful change in the field of educational technology.
According to Head of School Jay Lasley, HRA’s collaboration with Dr. Crompton for At the Helm reflects the school’s commitment to leading on responsible integration and regulation of AI in the curriculum. Such important conversations will play a critical role in equipping the school’s faculty to remain at the forefront of teaching technologies and practices.
“AI will redefine how we do work and relate to technology in the coming years and decades,” Lasley said. “We are dedicated to engaging with this technology in a way that empowers our students to succeed in higher education and in their lives and careers beyond that—and sets an example that other schools can follow.”
At Dr. Crompton’s talk, families and educators from across the region will discover a vision for cultivating AI literacy without sacrificing critical thinking, well-rounded knowledge, interpersonal skills, and the many other benefits of the liberal arts education that HRA holds dear.
All interested in attending At the Helm are asked to RSVP to cpoole@hra.org.
This story was also featured on WYDaily.com.
