Cana Fuest, PhD Candidate

As an instructional designer at a large university, I am hear many diverse perspectives related to AI in teaching and learning. Some faculty members are enthusiastic, frequent-users of the tech, and encourage their students to use it as much a possible in their classes. Other faculty members are adamant that AI is destroying students’ ability to think critically and creatively. Through all of this, something important that I have learned is that the beliefs and feelings about AI in education fall on a spectrum, which ranges from free use, to banning the technology outright.

If there was one piece of advice I would give to instructors this fall, it is that wherever you find yourself on that spectrum, tell your students what you think about it and why. Explain that you want them to be active participants in the learning process, and that you have designed your course to facilitate their learning in the best way possible, especially in light of this (relatively) new disruptive technology. If you can explain your rationale and invite learners into this important conversation, they will be more likely to listen and trust that you will guide them through this process in your course.

I will also say that although there is a lot of fear surrounding the future unknown that AI presents, ultimately, there is still nothing quite like the human mind. I believe that educators have a mission and responsibility to inspire students to rise to the “next level” in their learning, and remind them that they have untapped potential.

As you step into the new semester, remember that you do not need to have all the answers about AI. What matters most is that you bring clarity, curiosity, and care into your classroom. Your voice as an educator still carries weight, and that voice is exactly what your students need to hear.