Session 402: Laptops Closed, Eyes Up: AI As a Spark for Collaborative, In-Person Learning

Location: Main campus location to be published here on January 5

Presenter: Marina Lopes (Adjunct Professorial Lecturer, SOC | Journalism)

Session Description: 

This session explores how to use AI as a creative engine to design immersive, interactive activities that teach what can’t be replicated online: collaboration, critical thinking, and social skills. Participants will explore real examples of AI-generated role-plays, debates, and relay races, that get students to close their laptops, raise their eyes, and restore the energy of in-person learning to the classroom.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Reframe AI from a threat to a pedagogical tool that enhances in-person learning outcomes
2. Use AI to design immersive classroom exercises that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and student engagement
3. Develop AI generated situational games to foster rapid response and dynamic decision-making skills
4. Adapt curricula to promote in person learning over homework assignments