Nine students shared their experiences with technology at the University of Iowa as part of the Academic Technology Advisory Council’s Student Technology Panel. Students discussed ICON, artificial intelligence, personal device preferences, digital resources, and challenges with technology. Here are five key takeaways from the conversation:

1. ICON organization makes the difference. Students emphasized that ICON's usefulness varies dramatically depending on how each instructor sets up their ICON course site. Well-organized courses with clearly labeled files and weekly modules made a significant difference in their learning.
2. Recorded lectures and flipped classrooms are game changers. Students rely on recordings as a supplement to in-person attendance. They praised recorded lectures as essential for staying on track when life happens. They were especially enthusiastic about flipped classroom models where professors post short, focused videos in advance and use class time for interactive, critical-thinking activities.
3. AI works best with clear expectations. Students described AI as valuable for brainstorming, simplifying complex concepts, preparing for exams, and drafting professional materials (like resumes and emails). At the same time, they noted AI’s inaccuracies, uncertainty regarding appropriate use, and the stress caused by AI detection tools. These challenges further emphasize the need for instructors to provide clear guidance.
4. Core infrastructure is essential. Virtual desktops, MyUI, Duo authentication, and Microsoft tools are critical to students. The virtual desktop environment was frequently mentioned as a resource for students in engineering and computer science, helping students access specialized software without needing high-end personal devices. Students also expressed interest in expanding available software (e.g., Adobe tools).
5. Students wish they'd discovered key resources sooner. Many students don't learn about available tools—Libby, Kanopy, room reservations, schedule builder—until well into their time at Iowa. Many wished they’d learned about these resources earlier, particularly during their first year.

Don't miss next year's panel! The panel is a great way to hear directly from students about what they need from learning technologies. Read the OTLT newsletter for an invitation to the 2027 ATAC Student Tech Panel.