Affiliated Institution/Organization(s): University of Illinois Urbana Champaign College of ACES
Session Format: Presentation
Session Tracks:
OP – Online Pedagogy & Instructional Strategies
IT – Innovation & Trends
Session Description
As AI tools increasingly pre-digest information for students, higher education faces a critical design challenge: how do we build courses that harness AI’s potential while preserving the active learning that drives real understanding? This session explores how learning designers and architects coach faculty in AI fluency and translate that work into AI-enabled, AI-resilient course experiences. Participants will examine a multidimensional AI fluency framework, including the use of AI personas, to guide intentional design decisions. Drawing on practical coaching strategies, scaffolded assessments, and reusable templates, attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply in online, blended, and AI-supported environments. A central theme throughout is the “retrieve before you receive” approach, a strategy that reinforces student engagement, transparency, and deeper learning in an age of frictionless AI.
Learning Objectives
- Apply a multidimensional AI fluency framework, including AI personas, to guide design decisions.
- Use scaffolded, AI-resilient assessments that promote transparent, active learning, including retrieve-before-you-receive strategies.
- Adapt reusable templates and activities to support responsible student AI use.
Session Facilitator(s)
- Jennifer Banda
- Kasey Murphy
- Alex Sparks
Bio(s)
Jennifer Banda is the Teaching and Learning Specialist for the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She works with faculty to develop online educational material and courses. She enjoys finding creative solutions and designing engaging educational assets that are accessible to all learners. Jennifer previously worked as a program coordinator for Illinois Extension and was a high school agriculture teacher.
Kasey Murphy currently serves as an Instructional Designer for the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and Fellow for Fellow with the Center for Innovation and Teaching and Learning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She previously worked as the Online Program Coordinator for Fontbonne’s Center for Education and Emerging Technology. Kasey specializes in AI fluency and pedagogical approaches, Canvas graduate course design, and interactive eLearning innovation. She has a passion for creating engaging, effective learning experiences and remains committed to forward-thinking approaches and emerging educational technologies.
Alex Sparks is passionate about crafting innovative learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. With a background as a curriculum consultant and designer for Illinois Extension and an adjunct assistant professor for the College of ACES, Alex’s passion for enhancing learner experiences serves as a key asset. Her areas of proficiency include project management, e-learning tools, and effective pedagogical strategies. Alex collaborates closely with faculty members to design immersive instructional content that draws from the rich knowledge and culture offered by the University of Illinois.