Change display time — Currently: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (Event time)

Designing Assignments in an AI World

,

Interactive Session
Virtual Session
Save to My Favorites

Session description

Explore the critical question of when to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and when to avoid it, with this practical framework for designing meaningful assignments. Leverage AI as a tool that enhances, not replaces, human creativity and critical thinking. Design assignments that foster personal application and deeper learning.

Outline

I. Quick Welcome & Introduction
(3 minutes)

II. Cognitive Benefits and Cautions of utilizing AI
(10 minutes)
A. Benefits - brainstorm with learners unmuting or typing in chat, add anything missed.
1. Deeper knowledge
2. Skill Practice
3. Stronger engagement and self-confidence
4. Increased capacity for higher order tasks, (as AI assists with lower order tasks)
B. Cautions - brainstorm with learners unmuting or typing in chat, add anything missed.
1. Lack of originality
2. Quality of Information, False information, Bias, Ethics
3. Negative Cognitive Impacts
4. False Positives with AI Detectors

III. SMART AI Assignment Design Framework
(10 minutes)
A. Specific to the Learner - Ask questions that incorporate personal viewpoints, history, and experiences.
B. demonstrate Mastery - Use provided knowledge to create artifacts that demonstrate mastery and personal reflection on key concepts OR
C. demonstrate Application - Posters, Projects, Presentations, and Pictures, oh my!
D. Referenced/Reviewed- Share how conclusions were arrived at directly based on trusted, provided course resources, or cite, critique and review the information provided by AI Tools, mirroring potential real world usage.
E. Timely - Right assignment and instructions at the right time in learning.

IV. Assignment Examples - share examples, ask if/how participants could see using these ideas.
Example, along with descriptions/instructions and templates for each type will be provided in session handout.
(17 minutes)
A. Choiceboard Assignment
B. Reflection Questions - Rewrite some questions as a group
C. Think, Pair, Share
D. Create a Job Aid
E. Video Critique
F. Application Plan/Reminder
G. Digital Artifact
H. Gamified Review -Have participants create a review game
I. Google Notebook LM Audio Review - Have participants create and critique an AI audio review

V. Implementation Tips
A. As you DESIGN great assignments, make sure to also DEFINE allowed usage.]
B. AI Usage Guidelines
C. Student Disclosure Statement
(2 minutes)

VI. Padlet Application Activity: Choose 1 of your current assignments or activities to redesign. Describe the current assignment. Then use the SMART AI Framework to evaluate the assignment.
Share what changes you plan to make.
(6 minutes)

VI. Final Questions, wrap-up
(2 minutes)

More [+]

Outcomes

Describe Cognitive Benefits and Cautions of utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Utilize the SMART AI Assignment Design Framework to evaluate and update student assignments.

More [+]

Supporting research

ISTE Topic Guide on Artificial Intelligence. https://iste.org/topic-guides/artificial-intelligence​

Online Learning Consortium. (2025) Leveraging AI for Accessible and Inclusive Learning: Practical Strategies for Diverse Learners.
https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/webinar/ai-for-a11y/

UNESCO. (2021). AI and the Future of Learning: Expert Panel Report. https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/ai-future-learning

Bowen, J. A., & Watson, C. E. (2024). Teaching with AI: A practical guide to a new era of human learning.
http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1344686000

Poth, R. D. (2025). How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities Into Any Content Area.
https://search.worldcat.org/en/title/1434171214

Cornell University. Ethical AI for Teaching and Learning. https://teaching.cornell.edu/generative-artificial-intelligence/ethical-ai-teaching-and-learning

Artificial Intelligence Policies: Guidelines and Considerations
https://lile.duke.edu/ai-and-teaching-at-duke-2/artificial-intelligence-policies-in-syllabi-guidelines-and-considerations/

Georgetown University. Artificial Intelligence Toolkit: Designing assignments.
https://cndls.georgetown.edu/resources/ai/designing-assignments/

Carleton College. Suggestions for AI-Based Assignments and Activities.
https://www.carleton.edu/writing/resources-for-faculty/working-with-ai/incorporating-ai-tools/

University at Albany, State University of New York. Design assignments with AI in mind.
https://www.albany.edu/teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources/design-assignments-ai-mind

More [+]

Presenters

Photo
Jefferson Training Coach
Child Care Aware | HDI | UKY

Session specifications

Topic:

Artificial Intelligence

Audience:

Curriculum Designer/Director, Teacher

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Participant accounts, software and other materials:

Any type of device would be helpful to log onto the session. A handout will be provided containing key points, links to templates and examples, and application planning framework.

Subject area:

Teacher Education, Technology Education

ISTE Standards:

For Coaches: Learning Designer
For Educators: Designer