Students Design AI-Integrated Personalized Learning Activities as Coursework
Students Design AI-Integrated Personalized Learning Activities as Coursework
Ji Yae Bong, Terry Shirley, & Courtnie Edwards
Since its debut in November 2022, ChatGPT has quickly gained widespread popularity, leading to a surge in the use of generative AI tools. The current discussion focuses on how to adapt teaching and assessment methods to integrate this new reality.
At the Learning Design and Technology (LDT) program, we are dedicated to keeping our students up-to- date with the latest technologies by offering engaging and interactive online courses. Dr. Beth Oyarzun and I had the pleasure of designing a 5-week course, ELDT 6000/8000: Personalized Learning with Innovative Technologies. I taught this course for the first time last summer, and it was a resounding success. Students shared positive feedback, such as,
and
I’m excited to share some course activities that allow students to explore diverse generative AI tools and their applications to enhance personalized learning in various contexts, including K-12, higher education, and corporate settings.
Despite being a short 5-week course, we maintained ambitious course goals:
- Identify innovative and adaptive technology tools for personalized learning.
- Apply personalized learning models and strategies to create an innovative learning experience.
- Create a personalized learning experience with innovative and adaptive tools.
Students delved into various generative AI tools and examined sample designs of assignments and activities using these technologies, along with readings and other resources. They engaged in two key assignments that significantly enhanced their awareness and application of diverse generative AI tools.
- Personalized Learning Activity Plan: Students designed a personalized learning activity plan tailored to a specific educational context, incorporating at least two innovative educational technologies. They analyzed diverse learner needs and presented their plan and rationale.
- Innovative Technology Showcase: Students created a presentation or infographic showcasing at least three innovative educational technologies and their potential for personalizing learning experiences. They researched the technologies, explained their key features, and provided examples of how they can be used to personalize learning.
This course also introduced other adaptive learning systems and VR/AR simulations in this course, giving students a choice of tools to complete their assignments. Many students explored generative AI tools and successfully completed these tasks.
Student Work Example for Personalized Learning Activity Plan
Student Work Example Infographic &
Presentation for Innovative Technology Showcase
Note: Terry Shirley and Courtnie Edwards have graciously permitted me to share their assignments for this post.
One student highlighted the possibilities for ESL teachers to ensure access to the same standards for multilingual learners, including translating content and adapting assessments with visuals using AI. However, students also raised critical questions about access, equity, and privacy.
As an instructor, I also observed impressive recognition of how AI and personalized learning can transform educational experiences by catering to individual needs. Valid concerns were raised about learner privacy and the need for careful selection of secure software to protect sensitive data. Students demonstrated a journey from unfamiliarity with personalized learning to appreciating its learner-centered approach. They highlighted the importance of theoretical frameworks like constructivism and self-regulated learning. Explorations of AI tools showed an understanding of the potential for personalized learning. Ultimately, students recognized that personalized learning is not just about individualizing content delivery but also about utilizing innovative and adaptive technologies like AI to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences.