Redesigning Education in the AI Era: My Journey and Lessons Learned

When ChatGPT and generative AI became widely accessible, I found myself rethinking everything about how I teach. Like many of you, I’ve wrestled with questions about how to foster deep learning while adapting to this technological shift.

This is the story of how a last-minute crisis reshaped my approach—and the principles I’ve embraced to help students thrive in an AI-driven world.

A Final Exam and a Last-Minute Pivot

Last fall, I planned an in-class, closed-book final exam. My goal was simple: ensure students could recall essential concepts from memory and truly understand them—without AI doing the thinking. Inspired by advice from colleagues and thought leaders like Dr. Ethan Mollick, I wanted to go “back to basics.”

Then came the curveball: severe weather shut down our campus during finals week. Suddenly, my traditional exam wasn’t an option. Scrambling for a solution, I pivoted to a take-home, video-based assignment. Students recorded themselves answering interview-style questions and submitted private YouTube links for review.

Why video submissions? I wanted them to experience something they’d encounter in the real world. Many companies now use platforms like HireVue to assess candidates, and I wanted my students to get a taste of that process. Plus, it’s harder to fake understanding when you’re speaking directly into the camera.

Grading those 180 videos (two per student) was exhausting—I was sick for two days afterward. But it was worth it. Watching my students articulate their thoughts, explain core concepts, and reflect on their learning reinforced why I teach: to prepare them for an unpredictable future.

What I’ve Learned (and Borrowed)

This experience taught me valuable lessons—some of which I’ve picked up from others in the field. Here are a few guiding principles that now shape how I design my courses:

1️⃣ Start with Real-World Relevance

Before planning a syllabus or assignment, I think about what students will need in the workplace. What foundational knowledge and technical skills do employers value? Conversations with industry professionals and a glance at job postings often reveal recurring themes:

• Relational databases, basic accounting principles, and cybersecurity are timeless essentials.

• Communication skills, ethical reasoning, and teamwork are always in demand.

Whenever possible, I design assignments that mimic real-world tasks. For instance, students now tackle challenges like analyzing data for a supply chain bottleneck or presenting solutions for a struggling brand’s online presence.

2️⃣ Prioritize Foundational Knowledge—Then Layer in AI

Generative AI can handle a lot, but it can’t replace deep understanding. Students still need to:

• Quickly recall and apply core concepts, like setting up a spreadsheet formula.

• Use AI strategically, only after grasping the basics.

I’ve started scaffolding AI use in my assignments: students solve problems manually before leveraging tools like ChatGPT. This builds confidence and resourcefulness while avoiding dependency.

3️⃣ Teach Critical Thinking and Ethics

The more open-ended and realistic the scenario, the better students learn to think critically. For example:

• We’ve examined data breaches to explore the consequences of poor cybersecurity.

• Assignments often include ethical dilemmas, helping students think through how technology choices impact people.

By weaving in these lessons, I hope to prepare students for challenges AI alone can’t solve.

4️⃣ Develop Soft Skills Alongside Technical Ones

Even in an AI-dominated world, human interaction remains vital. I’ve found that:

• Video-based assessments and oral presentations teach students to articulate ideas clearly and confidently.

• Team-based projects build collaboration and negotiation skills—both crucial in any workplace.

5️⃣ Stay Flexible and Open to Change

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s a pandemic, a weather event, or a sudden shift in technology, being agile isn’t just a good practice—it’s essential. That’s true for us as educators and for the students we’re preparing.

A Final Reflection

Redesigning education for the AI era isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about blending what’s timeless—like foundational knowledge and critical thinking—with new tools and technologies. By sharing stories, collaborating with industry, and staying curious, we can create classrooms that are both grounded and future-focused.

This journey reminded me why I teach: to prepare students for a world that’s always changing. If they leave my class ready to adapt, think critically, and communicate effectively, I know I’ve done my job.

I’d love to hear from you—what strategies have worked for you in this new AI landscape?

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