Curious how AI tools might find their way into student work or classroom conversations? Many students say they want clearer, more specific guidance from their instructors on when and how to use AI. If we’re not confident in our own skills, though, it can be difficult to give that guidance. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your approach, explore these low-stakes activities to reflect on and grow in your own use of AI.

Many students are already integrating AI into their learning process. How can we respond to this shift and support all students to thoughtfully engage with this new tool?

Find practical guides and real-world examples to help you identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Practical guides and real-world examples help you identify opportunities to improve your online course or begin designing a new one.

Discussions about generative AI in higher education often focus on big, disruptive changes like automating grading, replacing traditional assessments, or raising concerns about academic integrity. But the use of AI in teaching doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many instructors are already finding small, practical ways to integrate AI into their teaching that enhance learning without overhauling their courses.

As AI becomes more integrated into online learning, helping students reflect on how it shapes their thinking is key. Metacognitive activities—those that prompt learners to evaluate how they learn—can deepen engagement and build critical awareness of AI as a learning tool.

Customize rubrics to promote clarity and transparency and boost student engagement.

Authentic assessments employ real-world connections through simulations, role-play, case-studies, and reflections.

Engage students and boost instructor presence with email, announcements, video, and discussion tools.

Consider learning aims, interaction guidelines, assignment instructions, grading criteria, and technical issues when crafting student activities with collaborative documents.