Designing for Depth: Inspiring Student Thinking in an AI World
As generative AI tools become common in our classrooms, faculty face a new challenge: how to ensure students are doing the hard work of learning rather than letting technology do the thinking for them. If an AI can produce the final product, how do we redesign our courses to value the process
In this complimentary in-person interactive workshop facilitated by Google, we will explore practical ways to modernize your curriculum so that AI acts as a scaffold for deeper thought, not a replacement for it. We will move beyond a defensive position—trying to “catch” student AI use—and instead focus on designing assignments that encourage genuine intellectual struggle. Participants will learn how to identify "at-risk" assignments where AI might bypass learning and use Gemini to help create more engaging, rigorous challenges.
Session Outcomes:
- Identify Curriculum Gaps: Learn to spot assignments where technology might be accidentally replacing student thinking.
- Focus on Deeper Learning: Explore how to use AI to handle administrative "busy work" so students can focus their mental energy on complex concepts.
- Modernize Your Lesson(s): Practice updating an existing assignment to ensure it requires critical analysis and personal perspective that AI cannot easily fake.
- Leverage AI Support: Gain hands-on experience with Gemini to understand exactly how students might approach your current course materials.
Audience:
Community college faculty attending the NAAIC AI Summit interested in redeveloping lesson plans and assessments for the age of AI.
Requirements:
No previous experience in AI required. Bring your laptop and lesson(s) that you want to work on.
Google Facilitators:
Zac Chase, Global Lead, Higher Education Communities, Global Impact Team
Darren Hudgins, Program Manager
Date: February 18
Time : 1:00 to 5:00 PM
Location: AI Center, Miami Dade College