AI Ethics & Responsible AI
Founding chair of ACU's Ethical AI Task Force and creator of the Applied AI Ethics certificate. Author of the HI-HO framework for using AI honestly and well.
Abilene Christian University
Hi, I’m Dr. Tim Stafford — welcome to the class.
I’m genuinely glad you’re here. My job is to make this course worth your time: practical, human, and connected to the work you actually want to do. I teach from a “Culture of Care” — you bring the curiosity, I’ll bring the structure, the feedback, and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Ask questions early, ask them often, and never sit stuck. Text me, email me, or grab a slot on my calendar — whichever is easiest for you.
A little about me
At Abilene Christian University I teach as an adjunct Professor.
Over more than 35 years I’ve worked across higher education, K–12, and corporate learning — building curriculum, training faculty, leading accreditation work, and designing learning systems for organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the National Society of Professional Engineers. I also helped shape the instructional models behind an international online academy serving families in 27 countries.
These days much of my energy goes into AI ethics in education — I have helped found and chair an Ethical AI Task Force and built a Post-Graduate Certificate in Applied AI Ethics, and speak and present nationally and internationally.
Outside of work: I’m an unapologetic jazz enthusiast and a Mexican food connoisseur. I live in Central Florida with my wife of 33 years, Victoria, and we have two grown kids, Joshua and Danae. Feel free to ask me for a taco recommendation... ...I have opinions, lol.
- 1,000+
- Online & blended courses designed
- 200+
- Academic programs architected
- 40+
- Doctoral committees chaired
- 35+
- Years in education
What I teach and research
Instructional Design & Online Learning
Course architecture, Quality Matters review, and learning ecosystems that scale without losing the human part.
Heutagogy & Connectivism
Self-determined learning and networked knowledge — how adults actually learn, and how to design for it.
Instructional Forensics™
Using LMS analytics, student feedback, and course data to diagnose what's really happening in a course.
Faculty Development
Coaching instructors in digital pedagogy, peer review, and teaching practices that keep students engaged.
Doctoral Research Mentorship
Dissertation chairing across qualitative, quantitative, and Delphi designs — from prospectus to defense.
Credentials & recognition
The short version — the full CV runs a bit longer.
- Ph.D. in Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning — Capella University
- 2024 STU Faculty Excellence in Innovation Award
- Founding Chair, Ethical AI Task Force; Executive Team, AI-REN Research Repository
- Published in eLearning Industry, TechTrends, and the Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
- Host of The Digital Instructor Podcast; TEDx and national conference speaker
Want to see what I’m working on?
My projects, writing, keynotes, and other efforts all live on my personal website.
Current research — AI and human capability
My work centers on a single core principle: AI should extend what people can do, not replace the thinking that makes them capable. I research where that line sits—which cognitive work should remain human, and how learning systems can be designed so AI amplifies judgment, creativity, and self-direction.
Human-in / Human-out (HI-HO™)
A practical framework for deciding when a human must stay in the loop and when AI output can stand on its own, ensuring academic and professional integrity.
Cognitive Offloading & Heutagogy
Research into how self-determined learning changes when AI handles early-stage cognitive tasks, and how to design assessments that amplify rather than erode human judgment.
Ethical AI Adoption
Collaborative work with ACU's Ethical AI Task Force and the AI-REN repository to develop curricula that prepare students for responsible AI use in their future careers.
Have a question about AI in your field? Bring it to my student meeting hours—I love hearing how you're using these tools.
Read more at drtimstafford.comHow to reach me
Seriously — reach out. There’s no such thing as a question that’s too small.
Cell — texting is best
(321) 202-8820
A quick text usually gets the fastest reply. Calls are welcome too, but it may be a bit - so be sure to leave a message.
Book Time with meBook time with me
Live meeting on my calendar
Grab any open slot — office hours, advising, or just to talk something through.
Open my calendar